Unemployed level almost equal to NW average rate

preparation already under way.

A trampoline park is also to open in nearby St Helens.

Mr Harrison said that the unemployment count across the city region was down by 3,260 to 25,115 on this time last year, a drop of 11.9%, and for 18-24-year-olds the fall was by 1,320 to 5,955, a decrease of 18.1%.

He added that the switch to Universal Credit in Halton, which was one of five pilot areas for the full transition, had been ‘relatively smooth’.

Discussing upcoming job opportunities he said: “I would say things are really buoyant.

“We are aware of things that are likely to be announced in the next few weeks in quite large recruitment around hospitality and there are some care companies coming into Liverpool taking on contracts. “We’ve been asked to be on standby to help with their recruitment.”

Damian Hinds, employment minister, said: “When it comes to our jobs market, we’ve made great progress since 2010 with employment up in every region.

“It’s good news in the North West where the number of people in work has risen by 67,000 over the past year, and there is a record 1.63m women in work.

“It’s important that we work to keep up this momentum so more people can make the most of opportunities available out there in the economy.”