The claimant count climbed by 8,857 in the first three months of the year, the second quarter showed a rise of 2,446, while the third quarter saw an increase of just 463. However the last two months have seen the count reduced by 1,443 people.

Cllr Ron Round, chairman of Liverpool City Region Cabinet, said: “It is fantastic news for those people who have secured themselves a job or a training opportunity and encouraging for those people who are actively looking to know that opportunities are available. This reduction clearly demonstrates the value of the six local authorities working together with partners including Job Centre Plus.”

Although the jobless figures present a positive picture, threats loom from cuts in public sector spending and companies becoming insolvent. Jack Stopforth, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: “It demonstrates that we are riding this recession better than some other regions.

“The chamber’s most recent survey found that far fewer companies were planning to lay people off and more were planning to take staff on. Both trends were positive.“

But there are further shocks to come, he predicted.

“It’s tough for business right now. As we get into and beyond the General Election the implication of cuts in the public sector for the private sector will become clearer.

“We are no longer dependent on grants or the public sector but the investment by the big public agencies is still a significant stimulus for business.”