Unemployment figures rise in West Berkshire

Figures show that 1,838 people claimed unemployment benefit last month - 35 more than in July

THE number of people claiming unemployment benefit in West Berkshire increased slightly for the second time in a row last month.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics today (Wednesday) revealed that 1,838 people (1.9 per cent of the district's working population) claimed unemployment benefit in August - 35 more people than in July.

Of these, 1,180 were men (2.4 per cent of the working population) and 658 were women (1.3 per cent of the working population).

The figures show that despite the increase, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit last month was still 116 fewer than in August last year.