The number of people claiming job seeker’s allowance has dropped in Kingston in the past year, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Figures released this week show the number of people claiming job seeker’s allowance at Kingston Job Centre has reduced from 2,700 this time last year to 2,200 showing a 20 per cent drop.

The number of 18 to 24 year olds claiming job seeker’s allowance in Kingston had also dropped by a third from 525 to 330 claimants.

James Ramsey, district operations manager for the DWP, said: "We are less busy but it allows us to do more with the claimants that we have got. Claimants have reduced - how long it will last for depends on the economy."