THE number of people claiming out-of-work benefits in Bolton has risen since last month, new figures have revealed.

There are now 5,333 claimants in Bolton — compared to the 5,304 registered in September.

That figure consists of 3,432 men and 1,901 women and accounts for about three per cent of the Bolton population.

The unemployment figures are continuing to improve on an annual basis however, with 133 fewer residents claiming out-of-work benefits than in the equivalent month last year.

The national picture is looking rosier as well, with the Office for National Statistics reporting that the country’s unemployment rate fell to a seven-year low in the three months leading up to August.

The number of people out of work was 1.77 million between June and August, down 79,000 from the previous quarter.

Despite the small rise in claimants this month in Bolton, a Job Centre spokesman said the falling national figures were “good news” and said a number of big companies in the borough were looking to work with the centre to take on more staff.

He said: “With 133 less claimants in Bolton than this time last year, it is good news for Bolton and Job Centre staff are doing everything they can to get people into work.

“Firms in Bolton such as Park Cakes and Peter Hunt’s Bakery have both recently taken on a lot of staff and we are also seeing a massive boost in the warehouse sector — with Westhoughton firm Oakwood Distribution now taking on 200 staff.

He added: “The Job Centre will be working with firms like this to help identify the correct claimants to go forward for these jobs.”