UNEMPLOYMENT figures rose slightly in north Shropshire between July and August, figures show.

According to Department of Work and Pensions figures, on July 8, there were 7,172 people claiming Universal Credit.

This increased to 7,189 by August 12, an overall increase of 17.

Ben Vaughan, from the Jobcentre Plus, said despite the increase, overall numbers of people claiming UC continued to fall.

"Although the wider West Midlands zone has shown a slight increase in claimant numbers, the number of people making claims to UC continues to fall across Shropshire, with Shropshire's constituencies claimant numbers reducing at a greater rate than national levels," he said.

"The numbers of UC claimants of all ages across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin are now at their lowest levels since July 2020 as Shropshire continues to show strong signs of sustained economic recovery.

"The number of advertised vacancies continues to rise locally, and many of our key employers and industries have reported strong summers in terms of trade and activity.

"Shropshire has also benefited significantly from the Government's 'Plan for Jobs' strategy, with hundreds of 18-24 jobseekers starting work through the Kickstart scheme.

"Our local Youth Hub network is also having a significant impact as the partnership between Jobcentre Plus and both our local authorities continues to deliver results.

"Our Oswestry Hub has already supported a significant number of younger jobseekers to find employment, as has our Telford Youth Hub, which is also hosting a number of employers this week to conduct job interviews for the hospitality sector. "