PEMBROKESHIRE unemployment levels have seen a general decrease year-on-year against a backdrop of the lowest national jobless rate in over 40 years.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics also show the UK employment rate has remained at a record 75.6 per cent.

In Pembrokeshire, there were 390 18-24 claimants in April, up 10 on the previous year, and 1,520 all-ages claimants, down 30.

Since 2010, these figures have dropped by 280 and 658 respectively.

Pembroke Dock-based Department for Work and Pensions Employer Advisor Fred Hatton said: “The Social Care Workforce Development Partnership in Pembrokeshire held its annual Social Care Jobsfair on May 9 in the Archives Centre, Haverfordwest. It was very well attended by employers and providers in this employment sector with some attendees moving towards getting a job as a result.

“At least 20 attendees were able to secure further appointments to discuss possible employment. The aim of the programme was to contribute to the development of the social care workforce, to promote working in care and increase the number of qualified staff providing care in Pembrokeshire. The partnership is led by the local authority and includes representatives from the public sector including Jobcentreplus, the voluntary sector and the independent sector.”

He added: “This sector is an expanding one nationally as well as in Wales and Pembrokeshire. All jobseekers who attended were positive about the event.”

A Be Your Own Boss event was held in the Pembroke Dock Jobcentre on May 15, with a number of provider organisations, including Business Wales and Prime Cymru, in attendance to offer advice and support to people who are planning to start their own business.

“All customers attending were positive about the help and support they received and further discussions will be continuing between them and the organisations that attended,” said Fred.