The number of people signing on the dole in Oxfordshire has fallen to its lowest level in more than four years.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show 6,075 people were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance last month, a fall of 396 on the previous month, The last time the figure was so low was in December 2008, just as the effect of the recession on the labour market was starting to be felt.

It is the fourth successive month the figures have dropped. There are now 959 fewer people signing on than a year ago.