UNEMPLOYMENT in Redditch has risen slightly, according to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

The figures released yesterday (Wednesday, January 18) show 820 people were out of work, compared to 785 in the same month last year.

Despite this unemployment in Redditch is still down by about 60 per cent in five years.

The number of young claimants in Redditch, aged 18 to 24, fell by six per cent, with 170 claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) compared with 180 claiming in the same month last year.

Employment Minister Damian Hinds said: "We start the new year with another encouraging set of figures. Employment continues to run at a near-record high, unemployment remains at an 11-year low and both figures are stronger than this time last year – highlighting the strength and resilience of our labour market as we step up to the challenges of 2017.

"It’s good news in the West Midlands where there’s a near record of 2.71 million people in work, a rise of 76,000 in the last year alone.

"We have made real progress creating a strong economy and helping more people into work, and will do what is needed to continue that trajectory as we build a country that works for everyone."