Youth unemployment in Sutton has fallen by 31 per cent since 2012, according to new figures.

The number of 16 to 24-year-olds claiming jobs seekers' allowance fell from 790 to 545 between November 2012 and November 2013.

The reduction is greater on average than both London and the UK, which recorded drops of 28.7 per cent and 26.4 per cent respectively.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, chair of the housing, economy and business committee, said: “Sutton is leading the way when it comes to tackling youth unemployment, and we are outperforming the averages for London and the rest of the UK.

“We are determined to give our young people the opportunity to develop a career and the partnerships that we’ve formed with local organisations have been integral to the success of our programmes."

Sutton Council said in a statement that the fall could be attributed to initiatives such as the Sutton Economic Support Taskforce - a group of representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors which address the impact of the recession on the borough.

The authority also said it had worked closely with the Post-14 Progression and Employability Board, as well as running its own apprenticeship scheme.

Coun McCoy added: “There is no room for complacency, and we will continue to support Sutton’s young people and ensure that they are trained and ready to enter the work place and succeed.”