UNEMPLOYMENT Dorset fell again last month against figures from the previous year.

There were 1,385 people on Jobseeker's Allowance in Bournemouth, down from 2,080 the previous August.

In Poole, the figure fell from 1,065 to 770 year-on-year, and in Christchurch the drop was from 265 to 180.

The figures for the rest of the county were: East Dorset 250 (down from 325), North Dorset 190 (245), Purbeck 135 (230), West Dorset 310 (335), Weymouth and Portland 440 (605).

In the New Forest, the figure was down from 840 to 610.

David McArthur, senior account manager for the Department for Work and Pensions in Bournemouth, said: "Dorset and the South West as a whole continue to lead the way in having the highest employment rate, which is reflected in the continuing reduction of individuals claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.

"This is a reflection of the hard work undertaken by local Jobcentre Plus staff and managers, Dorset businesses who are feeling increasingly confident about taking on workers and the fantastic work ethic of local people.”

He said employment across the south west was up 17 per cent in construction, 28 per cent in hospitality, 11 per cent in IT and business services and 13 per cent in health and education.

But there was a drop of 7.7 per cent in employment in retail and of five per cent in leisure.

However, Mr McMArthur said many employers planned to take on staff in the run-up to Christmas, including the Royal Mail’s Dorset distribution centre on Poole’s Nuffield Estate, Toys R Us, Marks and Spencer, Smyths Toy Superstore, Asda, Tesco and others.