THE number of unemployed in Oxfordshire fell for the 10th consecutive month.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show 4,701 people were claiming Jobseekers Allowance, 152 fewer than for the previous month.

The figure also fell by 1,861 people or 0.4 per cent over the course of the year and remains at its lowest since October 2008.

Nationally the number fell by 24,000 to 1.25 million, the lowest for almost five years.

Overall unemployment, including those not claiming benefit, fell by 167,000 in the quarter to November to 2.32 million.