Youth unemployment in Peterborough down by more than 50 per cent in a year

The number of 18 to 24-year-olds on Jobseeker’s Allowance was 255 in May, compared to 570 the previous year and 270 in April.

In total, the number of JSA claimants in the city has reduced from 2,400 in May 2015 to 1,500 in May 2016.

In April 2016, the total was at 1,515.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Stephen Crabb said: “Secure employment and a decent wage are key to transforming the life chances of people right the way across the country, so I’m delighted to see another strong set of figures this month.

“There are more people in work than ever before and wages are continuing their upward climb. There’s good news in the East of England where the number of people in work has risen by 40,000 in the last year, with an employment rate of 77.7 per cent — the second highest rate for any UK region.”