The number of people out of work in South Northants and Cherwell fell in January, compared to November last year.
In Aylesbury Vale the number increased slightly by five jobseekers to 1,458.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the unemployment rate stands at 7.2 per cent nationally, compared with 1.3 per cent in Aylesbury Vale, 1 per cent in Cherwell and 0.9 per cent in South Northants.
In South Northants the number of men claiming job seekers allowance rose from 315 in November to 330 in January, while 17 less women were claiming during the same period.
There were also more male jobseekers in January in Aylesbury Vale with 911 recorded in November compared to 949 in January. Women made up 509 of the jobseekers, a drop of 33 to November’s figure.
In Cherwell the numbers dropped in both categories, with 20 fewer men and 14 fewer women recorded compared to numbers in November.
Cherwell District councillor for the economy and estates, Norman Bolster, said: “Cherwell has always bucked the trend a bit with jobless figures. We have always remained below the national average.”
He added the council ran regular job fairs and worked with job centres to help the long term unemployed. Aylesbury Vale District councillor Steve Bowles, cabinet member for economic development, said the future looked bright for the district’s economy with the arrival of East West Rail, development at Silverstone Circuit and the allocation of new employment sites.
He added: “We are working with local partners such as Bucks Business First (BBF), the Local Enterprise Partnerships and other business support bodies to help ensure we can collectively deliver as much support and assistance to local businesses.”
Councillor Rupert Fordham, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development for South Northants Council, said: “South Northants has the best unemployment rate in the country. We have a very successful jobs club, which meets twice a month.”
January 2014
Aylesbury Vale 1458
Cherwell 898
South Northants 508
November 2013
Aylesbury Vale 1453
Cherwell 932
South Northants 510
Percentage difference
Aylesbury Vale +0.3%
Cherwell -3.6%
South Northants -0.4%
Source: Office for National Statistics