BOLTON has the fifth highest unemployment rate in Greater Manchester.

According to recently released statistics, just under 3.5 per cent in the town are unemployed.

Out of the 10 Greater Manchester districts, Manchester had the highest rate with 7.4 per cent. Stockport had the lowest at 1.9 per cent. Bury's rate is just over two per cent.

In Bolton, male unemployment is particularly high with a rate of almost five per cent, but for women the rate drops to 1.75 per cent. In Bury, male unemployment is around three per cent while female unemployment is around one per cent.

The figures are for this May and are taken from the monthly unemployment bulletin of GM Research. They include those registered for the job seekers' allowance and show that Greater Manchester's unemployment rate is higher than the UK average.

The county has a 3.4 per cent unemployment rate while the UK rate is 3.2 per cent.

Out of the UK's 12 regions, the North-west has the joint fifth highest unemployment figures.

Research shows rates are currently stable after showing a downward trend from a peak in January, 1993.