OLDHAM’S claimant count has increased this month as the rollout of Universal Credit Full Service continues.

New Office of National Statistics Figures have shown that the number of claimants rose to 4,995, up from 4,875 last month. Of those claimants, 1,095 were aged 18 to 24.

Jenny Cartridge, work coach team leader at Oldham Job Centre, said: “As the Universal Credit full service roll-out continues we are seeing more people registered as claimants than previously would have been, including those claiming housing benefit.

“Locally, we have supported jobseekers looking for all kinds of work.

“Heads Recruitment interview every Wednesday at Oldham Jobcentre for a variety of positions, and we are supporting Mantra with an open day on November 27 for Xpress Solutions who are recruiting for Service Care Hollinwood.”

She added that 258 jobs have been posted on Universal Jobmatch within the last 30 days in a five -mile radius of Oldham, and 133 apprenticeship vacancies are on the Direct Gov website, in the same radius.

Nationally, unemployment remains at a 40-year low, with a 59,000 reduction on the quarter. The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics, also show that employment remains at a near record high, with 32 million people in work.

Minister for Employment, Damian Hinds said: “The strength of the economy is driving an increase in full-time, permanent jobs and a near-record number of people are now in work thanks to the Government’s welfare reforms.

“When unemployment fell to 5 per cent early last year, many people thought it couldn’t get much lower, and yet it now stands at 4.3 per cent.

“Everyone should be given the opportunity to find work and enjoy the stability of a regular pay packet.”