OUT of work benefit claims have fallen in the Mole Valley and are at their lowest level for 3½ years, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in the district fell to 635 in June, compared with 651 in both May and April. This represents the lowest level of claims since January 2009.
Youth unemployment in the district also fell to its lowest number since November 2008, with 115 people aged 18 to 24 claiming JSA, compared to 120 last month.
The figures also show fewer people in long-term unemployment, with the number of people claiming JSA for more than 12 months down to 160, compared to 165 in May.
Anne Haigh, manager of the Leatherhead and Dorking Citizens Advice Bureau, confirmed that enquiries to the bureau about JSA had fallen slightly in the last three months.
But she said: "Obviously, this is a good thing, but people seem to be coming on and off JSA.
"They manage to get off it but then have to go back on because the work was only temporary. Often they have been doing something seasonal.
"Another thing we have encountered a lot is people getting back into work, but it's not full time work, so we do a lot of budgeting advice and looking at the tax credits people are entitled to."
She continued: "While the number asking about JSA might have dropped, our enquiries about tax credits have remained steady, so that is a sign of people dealing with a change of circumstances.
"I would urge anyone who is worrying about managing their income, or keeping up with payments, to come to see us, because we can help."
Louise Punter, chief executive of the Surrey Chambers of Commerce, added: "It is reassuring that the private sector is willing and able to create jobs and this is clearly having an impact on reducing the levels of unemployment.
"The Government could still do more to make it as easy as possible for businesses to take on new employees, as some of the bureaucracy is still off-putting."
