WYRE Forest MP Mark Garnier has welcomed the drop in youth unemployment across the West Midlands.

Figures released by the Department for Education show that 16,000 fewer 16 to 24-year-olds are out of work, education or training, representing a 13.2% decrease since the general election.

The Conservative MP said: “In Wyre Forest we have seen large investment in the area which has created jobs for young people at places such as the redevelopment of Weavers Wharf and Stourport Marina.

“It is important not to be complacent and I will continue to work hard to hold events such as jobs fairs which help young people find work. It is also important to ensure that our young people have the skills that they need to get a job or to continue in further study.

“Across the UK there are 184,000 fewer young people who are not in work, education or training which is a 12% fall since the election. The West Midlands region has particularly good figures which is great news for young people in our local area.”