Unemployment in Coventry and Warwickshire fell to its lowest level for five years last month according to new figures.

The statistics released by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber has revealed that the percentage of people out of work and claiming benefit in the area stands at 2.9 per cent.

This is well below the 4.3 per cent average for the West Midlands and the national rate of 4 per cent.

Male and female unemployment for Coventry and Warwickshire fell by a total of 5.6 per cent.

Just under 700 people stopped claiming benefits in the region in the last month.

The amount of claimants dropped from 12,408 in March to 11,711 in April.

Over there has been a drop of 26 per cent in the number of unemployed in the rub-region in the last 12 months.

Unemployment fell in all districts, with North Warwickshire seeing the largest drop of 7.8 per cent (790 to 728) and Stratford 6.9 per cent (810 to 754).

The number of people in Coventry and Warwickshire in long-term unemployment also fell below 5,000 for the first time since records began, with 466 claimants finding work last month.

Chamber analyst David Swales said:

”Following on from last month’s good news, it is further evidence that despite scare-mongering by certain members of the press, the manufacturing industry is still maintaining jobs in Coventry and Warwickshire and employment opportunities are out there for those seeking work.”