This area has seen the 12th highest reduction in the number of people out of work in the country according to government figures out today (Wednesday).

The figures, which compare unemployment across 405 local authorities, do not include data such as the type of jobs that have led to the reduction.

However, they do show that nationally wages have risen on average by 2.7 per cent in the past year.

Paul Gisbey, district operations manager for JobCentre Plus East Anglia, pointed out the vast majority of the rise in employment in the last year – 85% – has been in full-time work, and the UK’s employment rate has seen the largest rise of any G7 economy over the last year.

But he could not confirm what percentage of employment in Fenland involves zero-hour contracts or other details relating specifically to Fenland.

He said JobCentre Plus works with employers to develop a strong relationship to encourage the creation of quality full and part time jobs.

Mr Gisbey said they also work with people to encourage them to look for work in the wider jobs market providing help with transport costs in the initial month of employment and also help to get appropriate clothing for job interviews.

“Looking further afield can lead to more job opportunities and better salaries so we encourage people to look outside their own town or community,” said Mr Gisbey.

Employment Minister Priti Patel said: “Today’s figures confirm that our long-term economic plan is already starting to deliver a better, more prosperous future for the whole of the country, with wages rising, more people finding jobs and more women in work than ever before.

“With a record number of people in work in the East of England, we will continue to help businesses in the region create jobs and support those who want to work hard and get on as part of our ambition to achieve full employment.”