THE number of people out of work in Stroud has risen by almost 10 per cent since this time last year.

In September 2016 the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Stroud district was 535.

This figure was nine per cent higher than in September 2015.

However, the number of 18-24 year olds out of work dropped by seven per cent on the previous year to 135.

In Gloucestershire the total number of unemployed people in September stood at 4,170.

Stroud accounted for 13 per cent of this county-wide figure.

Despite the overall increase, Mike Nicholls from Jobcentre Plus said Stroud’s unemployment rates were still among the lowest in a decade.

“Since 2010 we’ve seen a profound fall in the number of people in Stroud claiming job seekers allowance,” he said.

“Year on year the number of people getting back into work continues to rise.

“Back in 2013 the number of people claiming unemployment benefits was 1,137.

“A year later it dropped to 705 and now three years later we’ve seen further reductions.

“Six years ago we had 35 people who were long-term unemployed and claiming job seekers. Now that number has dropped to just five.”