A significant drop in unemployment in Tynedale has been welcomed by the MP for Hexham.

The Office for National Statistics released new jobs figures on Monday, April 16, which revealed that unemployment has decreased by nearly half in three years.

In March 2021, there were 1,540 unemployment benefit claimants, while this year's March figures fell to 830.

Also, youth unemployment fell by 53 per cent from 280 claimants in 2021 to 130 this year.

The MP for Hexham, Guy Opperman, said: "This is fantastic news for people in Tynedale with wages up, unemployment down, and job opportunities aplenty.

"I work every year with local employers and JobCentre Plus to engage the local community at my annual Jobs Fair and encourage job seekers to come forward and take the many opportunities that are out there.

"These latest jobs figures show that the work is paying off, with more local people in highly skilled, well paid jobs."