THE number of people out of work in Pembrokeshire is continuing to fall, according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics last week.

The number of unemployed claimants in Preseli Pembrokeshire is 131 lower than in November 2011 and 41 lower than in October this year.

MP Stephen Crabb said: “Weare starting to see a real shift in the unemployment situation, as the figures released this month have shown. Unemployment in Pembrokeshire is lower than this time last month and lower than this time last year.”

The figures mirror the national picture with unemployment falling sharply across Wales and the UK.

Earlier this month Mr Crabb visited Pembrokeshire College to see how the Government’s Work Programme is being delivered locally.

The programme provides tailored support to help people back into work and Pembrokeshire College delivers it across the region.

Mr Crabb said he was very impressed after spending the morning at one of the college’s dedicated Employment Training Resource Centres to find out more about the resources on offer.

“The results that we are seeing at the College demonstrate that one of the keys to tackling long-term unemployment is ensuring that people out of work get the proper individual support they need.

“We cannot be complacent but through the efforts of Pembrokeshire College, Jobcentre Plus and the many local businesses who are creating the jobs, we have real grounds for optimism for the Pembrokeshire economy,” he added.