Unemployment fell again last month and remains at a 13-year low.

The number registered out of work fell by 27 in August to a figure of 393 - that’s 203 fewer than the same month last year and the lowest August figure since 2004.

During the month, 144 people signed on to the register and 171 signed off.

The unemployment rate fell by 0.1% to 0.9% - and provides further evidence of the need to tackle a growing skills shortage.

During August, 986 vacancies were notified to the Job Centre and by the end of the month, 597 remained. Some 73% (434) were full-time positions and 27% (163) were part-time.

Of the 393 unemployed, 249 are men and 144 are women.

International Labour Organisation estimates, which include those not registered as out of work but still looking for work, put the unemployment figure at 838, down from 865 in July.

Sectors with the highest number of vacancies are e-gaming, medical and health services, tourist accommodation and some retail distribution and other catering and entertainment.

Among those sectors with the highest levels of unemployment are skilled construction and other business services.