Colchester's job market has been described as one of the biggest boom areas in the East of England.

The number of people on jobseeker’s allowance in the borough has hit a six-year low.

Dave Anthony, customer service operations manager at Colchester Jobcentre, said an extra 96 employers signed up to its Jobmatch system last month.

Mr Anthony said: “Colchester is one of the biggest boom areas in the East of England.

Mel Carpenter, sales director at SVC Recruitment, in Wiston Road, Nayland, said: “Employers were reticent about taking on permanent staff, but now I think the confidence is there and there are really positive vibes.”

Full story in today's Gazette