THE number of claimants on Jobseeker's Allowance, out of work or on Universal Credit has gone up in Weymouth and Portland.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics yesterday show the number of claimants in May this year totalled 550, 120 of whom were aged between 18 and 24. This represents a 9 per cent increase from last year.

Nevertheless, this figure represents a 53 per cent decrease for the area compared to the figure recorded in 2010 which was 1,161.

Meanwhile, in west Dorset, the number of claimants in May was 300, 30 less than what was recorded at the same time last year.

Compared to figures in 2010, the latest figure represents a 59 per cent drop from 738.

Across the South West there are now 2.5 million people in work, a 24,000 rise in employment over the last year.

There has also been a 3,500 year on year reduction of IB/ESA and IS Lone Parent claimants.

David McArthur, Dorset and New Forest Account Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions, said: "Our Jobcentre Plus offices are working hard with local businesses to ensure the full support of their job vacancies. More and more businesses are taking advantage of our services at no charge to support group recruitment sessions, job fairs and interview desks to enable the quick filling of their available jobs.

"DWP is also proud to be working with the Local Authorities across south and western Dorset within their emerging ‘Growth Corridor’ economic strategy, that should see investment in employment and skills that are so important to growth of businesses and a more prosperous economy."