THE number of unemployed people in Bolton rose by 230 from January to February, but job centre bosses say they are unconcerned by the increase.

An increase in the number of people claiming out-of-work benefit in the borough from 5,235 to 5,465 has been put down to workers finishing short-term jobs over Christmas and New Year.

Chris Pritchard, of Jobcentre Plus, said: “There has been an increase this month, but it was expected after we looked at last year’s trend after Christmas.

“I think it is down to short-term contract finishing.”

He added that the number of young people out of work had stayed level at 1,190. Job Centre staff are currently working with postal delivery firm Whistl ahead of their move to the Logistics North development, in order to secure jobs for people in Bolton.

Mr Pritchard said: “It is fantastic to have a big company coming into Bolton and to be working with us to help get people back into work. I hope Whistl will be able to expand their operations in Bolton and continue to involve us in their recruitment.”