Unemployment has fallen across Barnet by 26 per cent in the past year, new figures show.

The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance was 3,945 at the end of last month – a drop of 1,379, or 26 per cent, since November 2013.

The figures, from the Office for National Statistics, also show a total of 630 people aged 18 to 24 were claiming the allowance at the end of November, while 955 people were classed as long term unemployed.

Terry Cameron, senior work services manager at Barnet and Finchley job centres, welcomed the figures.

He said: “The picture is looking very positive, as it continues to fall every month. It’s great news there are fewer people out of work and looking for a job. I think we are going to continue to see a continual downward trend.”

When asked whether many of the people getting jobs were on zero hour contracts, he said: “In terms of the number of people on zero hour contracts, it only relates to about two per cent in work. Quite often, people who take these kinds of contracts do it because it suits them.

“One of the things about part time work as well, is you do get some experience. It puts something on your CV, which is a positive step in terms of moving to full time work.”