Coventry bucked a regional trend last month when unemployment fell slightly, but it’s likely to be the last bit of good news for some time.

194 claimants signed off in Coventry last month, while there were increases in Warwick, North Warwickshire, Stratford and Rugby districts.

In total the number of people out of work and claiming benefit fell by 94 to 10,674.

And the number of vacancies recorded by the Employment Service soared in Coventry, Nuneaton and Bedworth and Warwick.

The sub-region has an unemployment rate of 2.6 per cent – well below the national rate of 3.6 per cent.

The figures compiled by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber show that there are 8,161 men and 2,513 women out of work in the area.

Chamber analyst Gareth Brown warned it could be the last time that a drop is recorded for some time.

He said:

”These December figures could see the last significant drop in overall unemployment claimants for a few months.

“The new year traditionally sees the end of seasonal work and a dramatic rise in the unemployment figures.

“Last year saw a recorded unemployment increase of over 1,000, and similar figures are expected this time around.

“It is therefore good news for job hunters that the number of reported vacancies has recently risen by 396m standing just below 4,000.

“For many people the new year is a new start and what with the number of reported vacancies and training scheme available the figures could continue to fall.”