Slight increase in West Berkshire's number of JSA claimants

THE number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance in West Berkshire has increased since last  month. 

Figures released today (Wednesday) show that 446 people (0.5 per cent of the district's population) claimed JSA in January compared with the 403 for December - a 10.6 per cent increase.

Of the 446, 260 were male and 186 were female. 

The number of people aged between 18 and 24 claiming JSA also increased, rising from 50 to 60. 

The latest figures represent a 31 per cent drop when compared to the 647 people registered as claiming in January 2015. 

Compared to 10 years ago the district has seen a 55.4 per cent drop on the 1,002 people claiming JSA in January 2006. 

West Berkshire remains as one of the lowest Berkshire authorities for unemployment.

Bracknell Forest had 556 registered claimants in January (0.7 per cent of its population) Reading 1,320 (1.2); Slough 1,170 (1.2); Windsor and Maidenhead 583 (0.6); and Wokingham 454 (0.5).