THE percentage of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Swindon last month remained the same as in July at 1.9 per cent, or 2,781.

Nationally unemployment fell to its lowest levels for nearly 27 years last month, despite the continuing economic uncertainty.

The office for National Statistics said the number of people claiming unemployment benefits fell by 6,400 in August to 943,300. Claimant count unemployment was last lower in October 1975 and it has now fallen by 10,100 in the past 12 months.

Despite a wave of job cuts in the recession-hit manufacturing sector, consumer spending has boosted other areas of the economy such as retail and construction.