There are nearly 9000 people unemployed in Croydon, but a Jobcentre employee says things are moving in the "right direction."

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics this week show there are 8890 people (including those on Universal Credit) currently seeking employment.

The Croydon borough partnership manager for the Jobcentre, Robert MacNeill said: "We're happy to see overall employment figures go up.

"It’s an exciting time for Croydon.

"Generally there’s lots of investment and opportunity in the town right now."

Mr MacNeill pointed to a major development which was recently approved as proof of the town's growth.

"Westfield will generate huge employment numbers for Croydon," he said.

"Everywhere you go there is construction taking place and new buildings coming up.

"Hopefully this time next year we can say the unemployment figures have dropped once again."

He said it wouldn't "be fair" to compare this year's unemployment results with those of 2016 as last year people on Universal Credit were not included in the statistics, although he did say that the group with the most number of unemployed people was the 25-49 age bracket.

UK wide, unemployment is down 59,000 on the quarter and is the lowest rate since 1975.

Minister for Employment Damian Hinds said: “The strength of the economy is driving an increase in full-time, permanent jobs and a near-record number of people are now in work thanks to the Government’s welfare reforms.

“When unemployment fell to 5 per cent early last year, many people thought it couldn’t get much lower, and yet it now stands at 4.3 per cent.

“Everyone should be given the opportunity to find work and enjoy the stability of a regular pay packet.

"We’ve cut income tax for 30 million people since 2010, meaning people keep more of their money each month."