Youth unemployment rose in the borough for the fourth month in a row.

Figures show that the number of 18-24 year olds claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) in February stood at 520, an increase of 50.7pc since October.

In January the number was 510, showing a 2pc rise on the month.

Despite the increase, the figures show that there are 8pc fewer young people claiming JSA than there were at the same point a year ago. Carly Chapman, district operations leader for the East of England, said: 'That is the seasonal impact in Great Yarmouth. We are confident that it will decrease.'

Overall, across all age groups, the numbers claiming JSA fell by 20 to 1980, down 8.3pc year on year.

This was the first fall in unemployment since October.

Ms Chapman said: 'The season is a great time of year for getting back into work.

'We are doing a lot of work to help people return to work quickly.'

She added that the figures for Yarmouth were broadly on trend with an overall fall in unemployment across the East of England.

Ms Chapman said that it was hoped there will be a bigger impact on figures once Universal Credit (UC) is introduced in April.

'UC really supports people to take part-time work, or non-permanent temporary contracts. 'You do not have to stop and start your claim if you get a job, so it helps with getting your foot in the door.'

She added that UC would be linked to how much you earn rather than if you were in a job or not.

Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth, said: 'It's great news that unemployment in Great Yarmouth continues to fall. The figures released show a drop of over 50pc in unemployment since February 2012, and the number of people without work continues to fall year on year.

'This is part of this Conservative Government's commitment to helping those who can work into employment, which is good for Great Yarmouth and the country as a whole.

'Year on year the unemployment figure for young people continues to drop and the summer tourist season provides hundreds of jobs in the area. Construction has started on Norfolk's largest offshore windfarm and Peel Ports Great Yarmouth has been selected as the port for construction and installation activities for East Anglia ONE, bringing even more jobs to the area.

'I'm working with local schools and colleges, and will be holding a jobs fair in the autumn which will give local young people the chance to work on their CVs, receive interview advice and meet with local employers.'