THE number of people out of work has dropped slightly since last month, figures reveal.

Released yesterday (Wednesday), unemployment figures for Wychavon – home to Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich – show 635 were out of work in January 2017, compared to 645 the month before.

And 40 more people are in work compared to this time last year.

The total number of 18 to 24-year-olds out of work stands at 135 – showing no change from January 2016.

In Worcester, 1,010 people were out-of-work in January, compared to 1,000 the month before.

And in the Malvern Hills, there were 425 unemployed – the same figure as January 2016.

Employment figures across the West Midlands also look positive, with 64,000 more people in work compared to this time last year.

Secretary of State, Damian Green, said: "With employment at its highest rate since records began, and unemployment at its lowest in over a decade, we remain in a position of strength.

"Our on-going welfare reforms will continue to incentivise work and make sure the system is fair to all those who need it and those who pay for it.

"It’s good news in the West Midlands where there’s a near record of 2.7 million people in work, a rise of 64,000 in the last year alone."