THE latest unemployment figures are the clearest sign yet that Oxfordshire’s economy is bouncing back after a difficult few years.

During the financial crash and subsequent recession a lack of sales and demand, as well as Government cuts, forced many employers to lay off staff. And since then there have been signs that all sectors were hesitant to take on new workers.

But with the national economy starting to look more healthy, it should come as no surprise that Oxfordshire is at the forefront of any recovery.

Even at the height of the recession, the county’s unemployment rate was 5.9 per cent , significantly lower than the national average peak of 8.3 per cent.

And with large developments like the Westgate Centre, the Barton Park estate and the new Marylebone rail link now taking shape, it’s no wonder there are now more jobs available.

But we should not dismiss the concerns of former employment coach Shane Touhey about the tighter criteria for claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and the rise of zerohours contracts.

Even as the county’s economy improves, we must ensure people aren’t left behind.