THE largest annual fall in unemployment since records began more than 40 years ago has been welcomed by Runcorn MP Graham Evans.

The jobless figure is now below two million for the first time since 2008.

The number of young people aged 18-24 has also dropped to 468,000, down a third compared to last year.

Mr Evans said: “I’m absolutely delighted. This is good news for Runcorn.

“Unemployment is lower than it was before the great recession.

“It’s proof that the long term economic plan is working but there is an awful lot of work to do getting long term unemployed into jobs.

“There is no room for complacency.”

Mr Evans is backing apprenticeships.

He said his 18-year-old son, George, who takes his A levels in the summer, is looking for an apprenticeship in business and international affairs rather than going to university.

Mr Evans said: “Apprenticeships are a positive thing. A good company taking on 16-18-year-olds is something where they can mature quickly, earning and learning at the same time.

“They go to night school or college.

“The children themselves say it is a cool thing to do.”

Mr Evans said he has been very impressed by opportunities being offered by innovative companies across Runcorn.

He is organising his fourth jobs and apprenticeship fair to bring firms and young people together.

Mr Evans added: “There are so many outstanding companies in Preston Brook, Daresbury and at The Heath for school and college leavers.

“I am encouraging schools to work with companies so they are aware of the opportunities that are out there.

“I also want to make Halton people aware of just how many fantastic firms are on their doorstep.”