The latest report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on April 21 showed that unemployment in the area went from 12.8 per cent in March 2015 to 5 per cent in March 2016.

And while the rate had risen by 1.3 per cent in the last month, the situation is much better than this time last year.

The March 2015 rate was the highest unemployment rate this area had seen since August 1999, when unemployment shot up to 14 per cent.

The figure was also the highest of any region in NSW at the time.

But since March 2015 the rate has gradually come down, reaching 3.7 per cent in February 2016, the lowest rate since August 2013 (2.3 per cent).

Maitland Business Chamber president Craig McGregor said he was not sure of the exact reason why unemployment has improved so much over the past year, but believes it may be related to the mining industry.

“It shows that last year was the height of the mining downturn,” he said.

Along with his role as chamber president, Mr McGregor is also the director of Retain HR and Hunter Recruitment Group.

He said in his workplace he has had many conversations with people who are hesitant to join or re-enter the mining industry, because of its uncertain future.

However, Mr McGregor said youth unemployment continues to be an issue in the Hunter, as businesses are employing job seekers who have years of experience under their belt.

“Youth are probably missing out on opportunities because they have to be trained,” Mr McGregor said.

The youth unemployment rate recorded in March 2016 was over double that of regular unemployment, coming in at 11.9 per cent.

He believes this problem can be solved through more awareness from a business perspective and further government assistance to employ and train youth.