Unemployment in Northampton has risen for the third month in a row, with 500 more people out of work compared with at Christmas.
There were 5,934 people claiming jobseeker’s allowance in the town in February, compared with 5,429 in December and 5,721 in January, according to new figures from the Office of National Statistics.
The latest figure is equivalent to 4.2 per cent of the population claiming, which is higher than the East Midlands average of 3.8 per cent, and the national average of 3.9 per cent.
The third consecutive rise comes after three consecutive months of falls, between August and October last year.
Compared with 12 months ago, the figure is broadly similar, with 5,991 people out of work.
Nationally, the Government has said the latest statistics show there are more people working in the private sector than at any time since records began, after a 700,000 increase over the last year.
The figures also show unemployment has risen by 7,000 over the last quarter. But this is down by 16,000 compared with the same period last year.
Mark Hoban, minister for employment, said: “There are still tough challenges ahead which is why we’re working hard to give jobseekers all the help and support they need to realise their aspiration of finding a job.”