The Prime Minister has praised attempts to reduce youth unemployment in Braintree district.

MP Brooks Newmark spoke at Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament on Wednesday about unemployment levels.

Last month, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance rose for the first time in a year, having decreased for 11 months in a row.

In the House of Commons, Mr Newmark said: “In Braintree, unemployment has dropped from 3.4 per cent to 2.3 per cent and equally importantly youth unemployment has dropped 6.3 per cent to 4.4 per cent since 2010.

“Following the recent success of the Braintree Youth Jobs Fair, would the Prime Minister join me in thanking Braintree Council, Jobcentre Plus and Ignite for all the hard work they are doing in encouraging local businesses to hire young people?”

The job fair, held at Braintree Town Hall on February 12, was attended by local employers including Cineworld.

In response to Mr Newmark’s question, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I think my honourable friend has a very strong track record of campaigning and fighting for these issues.

“The Braintree Youth Jobs Fair has also made a huge difference locally.

“I know that the party opposite seem to groan as soon as unemployment falling is mentioned, but the fact is it is falling across the country and that is a very welcome sign.”

Mr Cameron also praised the Braintree MP for pushing for a new initiative which means under-21s in work do not have to pay national insurance contributions.

Mr Newmark has organised another job fair which will be held at Bocking Arts Theatre on March 21, from 10am to 3pm, with 15 companies already confirmed to attend.

For more information, visit braintreejobsfair.com