PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson was welcomed a fall in the number of people out of work in the borough.

The number of unemployed claimants in Pendle in March 2012 was 2,237, 47 lower than in February.

Mr Stephenson said: “Following the Pendle Jobs Fair which I organised during February, I heard that a number of people had found work, so I am delighted to see a fall in unemployment across Pendle.

“Given the good news from local employers like Silentnight, I hope the numbers will continue to decrease. However, we cannot be complacent.

“The launch of the Youth Contract at Nelson and Colne Job Centres last week should also help as more support is given to help young people into training, apprenticeships or full-time work.

“However unemployment remains a significant issue in Pendle and I am pressing the Government to do even more to help.”