UNEMPLOY-MENT across the district rose slightly last month, according to the latest figures.

But the total number of people in Bradford claiming unemployment benefits in February was still lower than the same time last year.

Figures for last month increased by 2.2 per cent to 9,220. This was 0.9 per cent lower than February 2016 and 24.6 per cent down on two years ago.

The claimant rate rose slightly to 2.8 per cent, compared to the increased regional figure of 2.3 per cent and the static national figure of 1.9 per cent.

Heather Barraclough (pictured), of Jobcentre Plus in Bradford, said that despite the small rise which was to be expected after the fall-off in seasonal work, the year-on-year downward trend was still continuing.

She said the Bradford picture reflects the work that is being done locally to provide people with the skills that are needed locally.

Figures rose across all of the district’s five parliamentary constituencies.