The number of young people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Fife has dropped by 22% over the last year, according to the latest figures.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that 1340 people aged 16-24 received JSA payments in February 2016 compared to 1715 in February 2015.

As a result, Fife’s youth unemployment rate fell from 4.1% to 3.2%, while the total number of claimants in Fife also fell year on year by 0.3%.

This leaves Fife slightly below the national average, which saw a 0.7% decrease in the total number of JSA claimants over the same period.

Councillor Lesley Laird, Fife Council’s depute leader and executive spokesperson for economy and planning hailed the figures as an indication of progress being made across the region.

She said: “Fife is working hard to ensure the right training, education and employment opportunities are available to young people across the whole of the Kingdom.”

Fife Council’s youth ambassador and chair of Opportunities Fife, councillor Tony Martin added: "Opportunities Fife enables people to find new employment or training opportunities. The organisation offers advice and guidance on the types of skills demanded by local employers, and helps with accessing or applying for new employment or training opportunities whatever stage job seekers are at in their career paths.”