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 August was 1,375 - a slight rise from July’s 1,315.

All districts saw an increase in the estimated number of unemployed claimants, except Cheltenham which saw a decrease and Tewkesbury which saw no change.

The number of men unemployed in the county stands at 5,860 (2.9 per cent), which represents an increase on last month.

The number of women unemployed stands at 4,865 (2.4 per cent), which also represents an increase on last month.