THE number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Wirral fell again last month.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics, out today, show the number dropped by 70 to 4,290.

According to the ONS employment, nationally is at an all-time high, with 32.07 million now in work.

ONS senior labour market statistician Matt Hughes said: "The employment picture remains strong, with a new record high employment rate and another fall in the unemployment rate.

"Despite the strong jobs picture, however, real earnings continue to decline."

Meanwhile, the so-called claimant count fell by 4,200 in July to 807,800.

The number of people employed on zero-hours contracts has fallen by 20,000 to 883,000 on the year.

Employment minister Damian Hinds said: "Over the past year the rise in employment has been overwhelmingly driven by permanent and full-time jobs, as employers continue to invest in Britain's strong economy.

“The task now is to build on this success through Jobcentre Plus and our employment programmes so that everybody can benefit from the opportunities being created.”