UNEMPLOYMENT figures in the Forest of Dean have seen a slight rise, according to the latest data.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics showed the number of Forest of Dean claimants in September was 1,380 - a slight rise from August’s 1,340.

Gloucestershire’s Claimant Count overall increased from August’s figure of 10,510 to 10,750.

The Forest of Dean was not alone with a rise in unemployment claimant figures. All districts in the county saw an increase in the estimated number of unemployed claimants, except Cotswold and Stroud which saw a decrease.

The highest claiming ward in the Forest of Dean was Cinderford West. It had the highest percentage in the district of working age population claiming Job Seekers Allowance and Universal Credit who are not in work, reported as 4.7 per cent.

The number of men and women unemployed in the county saw an increase. The total number of unemployed men in the latest figures was 5,860, while the number of women unemployed stands at 4,890.

The South West saw a jump in its figures as a whole. In August, the claimant count was recorded as 95,960, which rose to 97,965 in September.

Looking at England’s figures, there was a rise of claimants by 34,670. August recorded 1,459,205, which increased to 1,493,875 in the latest data.

The figures reflect the claimant count, which measures the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits. This includes people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit claimants who are required to search for work.

The claimant count is simply a count of people claiming relevant benefits, so it is subject to changes in benefit rules and welfare to work schemes.

You can view previous reports of unemployment data in the Forest of Dean by visiting our website.