THE number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Wirral has fallen for a 19th successive month, according to new figures.

The Office for National Statistics said 3,594 claimed the benefit in December - a drop of 135 from the previous month. According to ONS figures, the unemployment rate has fallen below 6% for the first time in six years.

They show that job vacancies have risen by 127,000 to hit a 14-year record high and a record 30.8 million people in work.

The number of people in jobs increased by more that half a million over the last year - averaging over 1,400 every day – to a record 30.8m. There are also 418,000 fewer unemployed people than a year ago.

Employment Minister and Wirral West MP Esther McVey said: “With more people in work than ever before and a record number of vacancies in the economy, local businesses up and down the country are feeling more confident, taking on new staff, and giving people the security of a regular wage.

“As part of our long-term plan, we’re supporting businesses to create the jobs which people need.

"The Northwest has seen a faster annual growth in employment than London, reaching a near record high of 3.27m people in work."