The number of people on the dole has dropped by 27 per cent over the past year.

A total of 4,988 were registered as claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) last month, compared to 6,792 at the same date 12 months before.

The drop in claimants was higher in those aged 16-24, with 30pc less young people claiming JSA than last year, and 60pc less than in 2010.

Overall the number of claimants across the borough has dropped by 51pc in the past five years, with 5,157 less unemployed residents registered, but Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, insists the numbers must be taken with a pinch of salt.

“Whilst these figures are promising, it would be misleading to confuse the numbers claiming job seekers allowance with the number of those unemployed,” said the Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales.

“Many of those that are unemployed do not claim JSA.

“We know that it is often difficult to help those that are unemployed into work and this was our motivation for setting up Workplace – our job brokerage scheme.

“It provides tailored support to our residents ensuring they truly benefit from the job opportunities created by the ongoing transformation of the borough.”

Since its launch in 2007 the scheme has helped more than 26,000 into work.

Visit newham.gov.uk for more information.