West Dunbartonshire’s job market appears to be on the way up as new figures showed the area mirroring a 25-year low in the national unemployment rate.

The statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions revealed that the claimant count in the area – the numbers claiming benefits for unemployment reasons – has fallen by 105 to more than 2,000 in June, a fall of five per cent on June last year.

It also represents a 38 per cent fall from the same point in 2010.

The picture for young employment in the area also looks strong, with 410 people included in the June claimant count, a fall of 20 per cent on June 2016 and of 55 per cent from June 2010.

Clydebank’s MSP Gil Paterson said: “Scotland’s unemployment figures are the best in the UK and this is great news for employment opportunities and work in Clydebank.

“Things will continue to improve when the expansion of the world renowned heart hospital completes its expansion which will bring in an additional 800 brand new jobs at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital as the management at the hospital are determined to recruit from the local community.”

This message was echoed by West Dunbartonshire SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes, who said: “The latest employment figures for West Dunbartonshire are very encouraging and I am particularly pleased to see an improved outlook for young local job seekers.

“Across Scotland youth unemployment has fallen significantly and continues to be amongst the lowest of all EU countries, with unemployment overall is at its lowest level for 25 years.

“Whilst these figures show Scotland’s labour market is strong and the unemployment rates West Dunbartonshire are falling, we cannot be complacent in our efforts to strengthen the economy and increase job prospects.

“Following the Brexit vote the increase in inflation and rising food prices continues to put pressure on household incomes, and the possibility of a hard Brexit threatens the loss of thousands of jobs across the country.”

The positive local picture follows on strong figures across the country, with the jobless rate standing at 3.8 per cent from the period from March to May – a 25-year low.

The figure across the UK stood at 1.49 million, a fall of 64,000 on the preceding three months.

Keith Brown, economy secretary, said: “These latest figures show our labour market remains resilient and robust with unemployment now at a record low.

“When considered alongside the fact that last week’s GDP stats show Scotland’s growth rate over the last quarter to be four times that of the UK, this is further evidence of the strength of the Scottish economy.”

Damian Hinds, UK minister for employment, said: “Unemployment is low, employment is high and there are over three quarters of a million vacancies. This is great news for Britain and for millions of ordinary working families.”