Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants fall to record low and unemployment below national average in South Somerset

SSDCA nomis report from the Office for National Statistics shows that just 1.0% of all people under pensionable age who are available for, and actively seeking work are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance*. The figure of 1.0% is a record low for South Somerset and is much better than the South West average of 1.5% and is also well under half the national average of 2.4%. Unemployment in South Somerset is at just 4.4% according to figures also recently published in the nomis report**. Full story: Read more

KEEPERS SAY BABY MEERKAT IS BEYOND COMPARE

Baby meerkatA baby meerkat is making its first public appearance at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park. Although born in May the pup had remained inside an underground den with first-time parents mum Cassie and dad Pipsqueak. However the youngster, who is too young to find out whether it’s a boy or a girl, is now venturing outside for the first time, much to the delight of keepers. “It’s been a long wait but the pup is now loving the outside and can be regularly spotted alongside the six other adults in this group,” said Longleat’s Darren Beasley. Full story: Read more