UNEMPLOYMENT in the Burnham area is continuing to fall, according to Government statistics released last week.

The figures show the number of those now in employment in the Sedgemoor area has risen by more than 10% since March, 2010.

One of the main factors is a 10.5% rise in the number of women gaining employment over the last four years while there has also been a drop in short-term job seekers’ claims among young people and over-50s.

MP for Burnham Tessa Munt said: “This is great news for the area.

However we have to bear in mind that some of these positions for this part of Somerset, that is Burnham, Highbridge, Brean and Berrow, will be seasonal work.

“This work is alright for some people but we have to be aware that we need to attract more businesses to the area which may be able to offer longer contracts so there is a balance.

“It’s great but we shouldn’t just stop here – we need to continue the good work towards more future jobs and long-term employment.”

Currently 6.1% of the population in the district are registered unemployed, compared to 4.8% across the rest of Somerset, which Bridgwater MP Ian Liddell-Grainger feels can and will be improved on. Historically we have always had slightly higher unemployment in Bridgwater than the rest of Somerset but the figures are definitely looking better.

“This Government has made it very clear that people have to earn their benefits now and that people who want to work can and will find work.”