YOUTH unemployment has hit a historic low in Hull, new figures show.
There are now 1,990 people aged between 18 and 24 claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.
The number have fallen 37 per cent in the past year and are at their lowest since records began in the 1980s.
Gill Dillon, employer and partnership manager at Hull Jobcentre Plus, put the improvement down to a reviving economy and increasing aspirations.
"We've been working with the colleges, Hull City Council, other trainers and voluntary organisations to help young people find work."
The vast majority of people on training courses or work experience are still counted as allowance claimants, along with all those who have had benefits sanctioned.
It means the fall shows an increasing number of people are in work, Ms Dillon said.
Young adults normally come onto the job centre's radar when they turn 18.
But high youth unemployment has led staff to begin approaching 16-year-olds about career opportunities. Alongside that new approach, officials also believes companies are hiring again.
Overall unemployment for all adults in Hull is down 30 per cent year-on-year, with 8,296 adults now claiming Jobseeker's Allowance.
That is 27 fewer than last month – a very small decrease but significant because short-term Christmas retail and manufacturing jobs will now have ended.
Officials often see a slight rise in unemployment figures at the start of the new year.
Ms Dillon said: "We know now there are fewer people out of work and looking for a job than this time last year.
"I know it's still hard for people to get a job and that's why we're continuing to offer a wide range of support.
"Normally you see hiring dip slightly in January and February, and then start to pick up again."
Much of the work available remains part-time, although Ms Dillon said a range of businesses are hiring.
Call centres remain a major employer but stores and manufacturers are also taking people on.
Beverley's Flemingate shopping centre is expected to create about 700 positions when it opens later this year, another major boost.
Ms Dillon said: "We're seeing hospitality, catering and bar work increasing across the area, even though it's after Christmas."