YOUNG jobseeker levels in the borough have shot up by almost 40 per cent year on year, despite national employment figures remaining at a ‘record high’.

The number of 18 to 24-yearolds claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) and Universal Credit in Test Valley increased by 38 per cent in October 2016, compared to 12 months before.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show an increase in claimants in young people, from 80 to 110.

They also showed an overall increase across all age categories from 405 last October to 455, or 11 per cent, within the same time period.

Sarah Crewe-Read, from Andover Jobcentre, explained changes to calculating the number of claimants include more Universal Credit customers could account for what she calls ‘this small increase’.

Figures from July to September also showed employment rates have stayed at 74.5 per cent, up 0.7 per cent on the year, to 31.8 million.

Ms Crewe-Read said the South East has the highest employment rate of any UK region with over 4.5 million people in work.

She said: “Although the claimant count in Andover has gone up slightly this month there is still a downwards trend and the labour market remains buoyant.

“In Andover Jobcentre Plus we are working closely with local employers and providers to support our customers into work.

“Following the success of our tailored jobs fair we have invited employers and partners into the Jobcentre to work in partnership to meet the needs of our customers and move them into work. We continue to have success with work experience for customers of all ages and our local employers support us with this.

“We continue to work closely with Test Valley Borough Council to support the whole of the local community.”

Employment minister Damian Hinds said: “Yet again we have a strong set of figures, with employment continuing to run at a record high and unemployment falling to an 11-year low.”