UNEMPLOYMENT in the Malvern Hills area is the lowest in Worcestershire, according to figures released by the Benefits Agency.

Statistics show those claiming benefit represent just 1.2 per cent of the population.

The next lowest area is Wychavon, where 1.3 per cent are jobless. Wyre Forest tops the list with 2.5 per cent of people claiming unemployment benefit.

The jobless total has fallen by 0.2 per cent in the Malvern Hills area compared to the same period in 2000.