The number of people on the dole in Kent has dropped again, according to the Office for National Statistics.

There were 710 fewer Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants in September, bringing the county’s total number to 20,399 from 21,109.

Every local authority has seen a fall in its claimant count, apart from Tunbridge Wells, which saw its count climb by 17 from 546 to 563.

Thanet was the county’s highest faller, seeing 260 people leave its dole queues and taking its total to 3,165.

Medway, usually Kent’s highest faller, saw 88 people leave its dole queues, bringing its total to 4,237, compared with 4,325 in August.

Swale was another to experience a three-figure fall, as its total went down 105 to 1,884.

Another big faller was Ashford, down 80 to 1,062.

Employment Minister Esther McVey said: “All of our reforms are focussed on helping people into work.

“The South East now has the lowest claimant count rate in the UK at just 1.6%, which shows that the Government’s long-term economic plan to help businesses create jobs and get people working again is proving successful.

“Behind today’s figures there are countless individual stories of people turning their lives around, of families who are now feeling more secure with a regular wage, and of young people escaping unemployment and building a career.

“We know there is always more to do, which is why it is vital to stick to delivering a plan for full employment that’s creating growth and jobs.”