THE total number of unemployed people in Brighton and Hove is now 4,265, including 735 young people aged 18 to 24.

Unlike a year ago, this figure includes people who are on universal credit but are also working.

Steve Benwell, district relationship manager at the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “The good news for young people entering the labour market for the first time is that youth unemployment continues to fall and is well below the national rate in the city, and has been below the average rate for the South East for the past six months now.

“These figures are testament to the strong commitment in the city to help prepare young people with the skills they need to fill the jobs that are available in the city.

“The Department for Work and Pensions and its partners are funding training for the construction, hospitality, digital and security sectors which are some of the key sectors of growth in the city.

“The Careers Service is able to assess young people’s skills and abilities and provide them with professional and free advice on potential careers.” There are 104,000 fewer people on zero hours contracts than a year ago across the country.

Secretary of State Esther McVey said: “With the unemployment rate falling further to just four per cent, and youth unemployment down over 45 per cent since 2010, school leavers can look forward to a growing jobs market, improving the prospects for their future careers.

“In fact, the UK’s vibrant jobs market is benefiting people across the board.

“Record rates of ethnic minority people in work also show that more families across our society are benefiting from the security of a job with wages also on the increase.

“We have some of the most creative, innovative and hard-working young people in the world and this summer I’ve been urging them to take on a summer job, gaining ‘soft skills – or as I call them, essential skills – for their future careers.”

Mr Benwell said: “We are holding a Jobs Fair in Brighton Jobcentre on September 5 from 10am until midday.

“The event is being tweeted on @jcpinbrighton and the city council twitter site.”

These employers will be attending: Network Rail, Old Ship Hotel, Brighton and Hove City Council, Maycroft Manor Residential Home, D.H.L, Bestway Wholesalers, Hunters Recruitment, Graham Construction, Sodexo, Greggs Bakers, BHAFC (Albion in the Community), Focus Group and National Careers Service.