UNEMPLOYMENT figures in Herefordshire have increased 33 per cent on last year.

Currently 1,190 are unemployed and claiming benefits in the county, of which 245 are aged 18 to 24.

This is a rise of 295 people (33 per cent) on this time last year and a rise of seven per cent in those aged between 18 and 24.

However, there are 1,480 fewer claimants than five years ago and a drop of 615 aged 18 to 24 (a 72 per cent fall).

Claimant figures have also dropped in the last two months from 1,225 claimants in November.

A Jobcentre Plus spokesman said: "Figures have gone up slightly on this time last year and there's nothing to indicate why.

"Going forward there are going to be job fairs in Hereford and Bromyard. Wyevale Nurseries are recruiting and there is a new Tesco supermarket store in Tenbury."