THE number of people claiming out-of-work benefits has increased slightly from last month – but is down on last year's figure.

The latest job figures for September showed that the claimant count was 1,155 compared to 1,150 in August but 105 less than the same time last year.

There were 245 claimants aged 18 to 24, which is 10 more than the previous month but a drop of 35 people on last year's figure.

Sue Gaskell, from the Department for Work and Pensions, said the Hereford Jobcentre has been sourcing and promoting temporary Christmas vacancies at national retailers such as Debenhams, Boots, UPS, Argos, Morrisons and Wilkos.

There is also a large online clothing company looking for a number of warehouse workers/ pickers and packers for the Christmas period.

Official employment figures released today show that unemployment nationally is at 4.3%, the lowest since 1975.

The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics, also show that there are now 32.10 million people in work, 317,000 more than last year.