YOUTH unemployment has dropped in Weaver Vale by 32 per cent since January, 2013.

The figures have been welcomed by Runcorn MP Graham Evans.

He said his Weaver Vale constituency now has the lowest youth unemployment rate since he was elected in May 2010.

Mr Evans said: "Youth unemployment has dropped to 6.5 per cent from 9.5 per cent in January 2013 and from 8.6 per cent in May 2010.

“Employment is higher across Weaver Vale than the national average. Across the north west region there are 14,000 more people in work since 2010. There has been a 6,000 increase in the number of people in work across the north west in the last quarter alone.

“These improvements in employment figures suggest the UK economy is improving and making an impact on the lives of people in Weaver Vale.

“ I am proud that steps in my constituency, such as running two Jobs Fairs, with planning underway for a third, and apprenticeship schemes can demonstrate the opportunities that are out there."

Youth unemployment is calculated by the number of 18-24-year-olds claiming jobseekers allowance.