Unemployment is down "across the board" in north Kent, by 33 per cent in Dartford and Swanley, and 26 per cent in Gravesham.

New figures were released by Job Centre Plus, and relate to the amount of people claiming unemployment benefits such as jobseeker's allowance.

In Dartford and Swanley, the number of jobseekers has reduced from 1,600 to 1,070 and from 395 to 200 among young people - a 37 per cent decrease.

In Gravesham, unemployment has reduced from 1,762 to 1,307 and from 435 to 330 among youths - a 25 per cent reduction.

Howard Noble, Manager at Dartford Job Centre Plus, said: "The outlook is positive.

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"There are an increased number of jobs.

"We have got a lot of opportunities in the local area that people can take advantage of."

Long-term unemployment has also lessened, with a 34 per cent reduction in Dartford and Swanley, from 480 to 315, and a 44 per cent reduction in Gravesham, from 395 to 230.

Mr Noble said retail jobs at the new Aldi store in Dartford, and at Argos, Pound World and Poundland, are helping to get people back into work.

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