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 July was 1,315 - a slight rise from June’s 1,295.

Gloucestershire’s Claimant Count overall increased by 90 persons to 10,750, a rate of 2.7 per cent.

All districts saw an increase in the estimated number of unemployed claimants, except Cotswold which saw no change.

The number of unemployed men in the county stands at 5,945, a decrease from last month, while the number of unemployed women stands at 4,805 - which represents an increase from last month.