BY-ELECTION rivals have clashed after the number of people claiming the dole in Tendring fell to its lowest level since July 2008.

Latest official figures show there were 1,980 people out of work and claiming benefits last month – down from 2,135 in July.

It means 2.4 per cent of the working age population are claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance.

Less than three years ago, that figure was 3,885 – just over five per cent.

There has also been a massive drop in the number of unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds.

There are now just 510 young people out of work, down from 585 last month.

Conservative by-election candidate Giles Watling welcomed the figures, which also show the number of people in work in the Clacton constituency has increased by 3,500 since the last General Election.

But Labour candidate Tim Young said the unemployment rate in Clacton was still well above the national and regional average.

Mr Young called for an increase to the national minimum wage and an end to zero hour contracts.