THE number of people looking for work in Oxfordshire has fallen to a six-year low as firms take on more staff.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show there are 3,813 people in Oxfordshire claiming job seekers allowance, the lowest since May 2008.

The share of the population on the dole has dipped under one per cent for the first time in six years.

Oxford Jobcentre Plus says there are 3,400 vacancies within a five-mile radius of Oxford.

Manager Diane McKenna-Rhead, said: “We are struggling to fill some posts, such as in the security field and if people do not have the right training, we can get them trained up and into those jobs.”

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit may be falling, but many are still struggling to find a job.

Witney resident Aaron Smith, 22, has been out of work for more than a year.

The former retail worker said: “There are more people moving into the area and that is making it harder, while a lot of people are leaving school and going straight into work these days.”

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