The number of people in Cornwall who are unemployed and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit is down by around 10 per cent compared with two years ago, according to the latest Government figures.

The Department for Work and Pensions says that there are 4,000 people in this situation, 465 less than in 2014.

In the South East Cornwall area covered by the Liskeard Jobcentre, the figure is 250, as opposed to 320 two years ago – a reduction of 22 per cent.

Jobcentre staff are now preparing for an initiative encouraging people to consider careers in the food and grocery industry.

This sector accounts for one in seven of all jobs in Britain and is a significant player in the Cornish labour market.