OFFICIAL figures, released last week by the Office of National Statistics, show the rate of unemployment is now at its lowest level since 1975 – at four-and-a-half per cent – with full-time employment standing at a record high of 23.53 million.

Commenting on the figures for the South East, Minister of Employment and East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds said: “These latest statistics are another reminder that our strong economy is giving record numbers of people the chance to find and stay in work.

“The economy continues to offer strong employment opportunities, with the number of people out of work at its lowest level for more than 40 years. The growth in full-time employment is also at a record high, as is the number of women now in the workforce.

“There is still more to do, and we continue the rollout of Universal Credit to make sure that it always pays to be in work. The Prime Minister’s pledge to act to ensure the interests of employees on traditional contracts, the self-employed and those working in the ‘gig’ economy are all properly protected, demonstrates this government’s determination to also improve the conditions of employment for millions of people.”

And he added: “There’s good news in the South East where there is a record number of people in work at 4.57 million and, at 78.9 per cent, the employment rate is at a new record high. At 3.4 per cent the South East has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, 1.1 per cent below the national rate of 4.5 per cent.”

The number of claimants in East Hampshire remain largely unchanged.

Department for Work and Pensions employer adviser Hazel Prior said that there were many vacancies in the Alton and Bordon area.

Southdown Aero Services in Alton is recruiting for a full-time bodywork paint sprayer. This is a semi-skilled role and applicants will need to have some experience of parts spraying.

Brook Street has also been recruiting for factory operatives to work in a rubber mouldings company in Bordon. This is a temporary to permanent role, working Monday to Friday. Full training will be given and progression in the company is available for those who wish to take the role further.

The Royal Oak at Bordon has an opening for a chef working a 45-hour week who will be in charge of the kitchen. A food hygiene certificate is a must for this role and pay is dependent on experience.

For those who have their own transport, Sainsbury’s at Water Lane, Farnham, has several vacancies for online shoppers. These are early starts and range from 12 to 24 hours per week. There are also vacancies for delivery drivers working 37 hours per week and online general assistants working 30 hours per week.

Slice of Pie in Farnham is recruiting for a full-time sous chef and commis chef, as well as part-time delivery drivers.

The company prepares meals for early years children and delivers to nurseries across Surrey and Hampshire. Uniform and van are provided.