Unemployment in Waltham Forest has fallen slightly in the last year, according to the latest figures.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) said 4,000 more people found a job during the period, compared to the previous year.

This means 70 per cent of borough’s population are now in work and the number of people claiming benefits has dropped from 9,914 in June 2012 to 9,341 in June 2013.

But this is the second highest percentage in outer London, behind Dagenham and Redbridge.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Cllr Sullivan said: “This is another encouraging sign that the economy is on the road to recovery.”

“There is a long way to go, but the economy is on the mend and jobs are crucial to building a stronger economy and a fairer society that allows everyone to get on in life.”

The figures also show that the borough’s population of people aged between 16 and 64 has increased significantly by 26,000 since June 2012.