THERE are 400 more unemployed people in Bolton compared to this time last year.

New government figures show that there were 5,735 Jobseekers Allowance claimants in the borough in June, but that does represent a slight drop from last month. A total of 1,220 of the claimants were aged 18 to 24.

Linda Bailey, of Jobcentre Plus, said: “There is a slight decrease in the claimant count in comparison to last month, in total and for our 18 to 24-year-olds, which is really positive. Jobcentre Plus is currently supporting a number of recruitments across the borough, including Costa Coffee’s Bolton stores plus the Logistics North site, and David Wood Baking Ltd in Kearsley who are expanding their operation locally.

“The Logistics North site continues to develop and grow, with Greene King’s Pine Tree Farm recruitment well underway to be ready to open next month.”