CLYDEBANK’S latest employment figures have slightly improved even while the number of young people out of work has flatlined.

There were 2,060 claiming job seekers' allowance and universal credit last month, 140 fewer - or six per cent less - than a year ago.

But of those, 450 were aged 18-24, the exact same number as at the same point in 2015.

Overall, the rate of employment in Scotland is 74.2 per cent compared to 70.7 in West Dunbartonshire.

Brian Fleming, district operations manager with Jobcentre, said the figures show considerable improvement over the past six years, with a 37 per cent drop in unemployment in the area and 51 per cent drop in unemployment for those aged 18-24.

He said: “The gap between then and now is certainly closing.

"There are always jobs available locally. And there are well established transport links into Glasgow where there are job opportunities.

"There are regular jobs in retail and adult and child care."

The figures, published before the EU referendum and concerns about the economy in the UK, also don't include the upcoming job losses from BHS closing in Clydebank. Mr Fleming said they were working to support all the affected employees to ensure none would need to claim benefits.

He added: "There’s always more work to do. IT’s our job to minimise the time someone spends on welfare.”