THE level of unemployment in the Cotswolds has fallen to its lowest level since before the credit crunch, new figures have shown.

Data recorded in February of this year reveals that there are around 250 fewer unemployed people in the district compared to the same point two years ago.

The figures also show that the number of people out of work has fallen by almost 500 compared to February 2010.

The percentage of people out of work is currently 1.1 per cent, the same as it was in February 2006, before the global recession.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, leader of Cotswold District Council, said: “I have been impressed by the economic resilience shown by people across the district, as shown by the relatively low unemployment figures and the small number of empty shops compared with many other areas.”

The CDC leader said that the new unemployment figures are helping the council in its aim to become the most efficient council in the country.

Speaking in February, Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown applauded the Cotswolds for having the 607th lowest unemployment figures out of all 650 constituencies in the country.

He said: “On top of these excellent figures...we have created 570 new apprenticeships in the Cotswolds which real alternative to going to university.

“The number of businesses have also increased in the Cotswolds which highlights that the district is a fantastic place to live and work and I hope that more small businesses will be established to reduce unemployment even further.”

Cllr Stowe said that the council will continue to do all it can to boost local jobs in the district, such as supporting the campaign to fix the A417 missing link.