Unemployment claimant count rises

The number of people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in Rochdale has risen.

In August 6,905 claimed the benefit compared with 6,640 in July, according to figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics.

Michelle Geoghegan, Greater Manchester Chamber’s Local Policy Manager for Rochdale, said: “Today’s Jobseeker’s Allowance claimant figures paint a mixed picture across Greater Manchester

“Coming on the back of the fall last month, this small rise is worrying but was something that we warned about as no doubt once spending cuts begin to bite the figures will increase.

“There are still positive signs for businesses to recruit but the opening up and easing of access to get people back into work needs looking at urgently.

“Many businesses are still put off by some of the complexities and legislative burden involved in recruitment.”