UNEMPLOYMENT has continued to fall across Pembrokeshire, with significantly fewer people out of work compared to the same time last year.

In the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire area, the number of people claiming out of work benefits is now below 1,000.

The latest figures for August showed a claimant number of 984 – a drop of 37 compared to the previous month.

And those figures are 388 lower than August 2013.

The local MP, Simon Hart, said: “I’m delighted by a further fall that is a credit to local employers. However there is always more to do at a Government level to drive the numbers down still further, and the improving economy helps us do just that”.

In the Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency the number of unemployed claimants for August was 1002.

That relates to a fall of seven on the previous month and 154 compared to August 2013.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, said: “I am pleased to see a further fall in unemployment in Pembrokeshire. The overall trend is evidence of not only how our economy is improving, but also that west Wales is open for business.”

“While any drop is good news, this month’s figures show that much more work needs to be done to keep up the momentum on the jobs recovery.”

“It is hugely positive that unemployment is significantly lower than at this time last year, but I am anxious to see further improvement in the Pembrokeshire jobs market. I want to see Pembrokeshire benefit to the same extent as other parts of the UK.”