THE number of people claiming out-of-work benefits has fallen compared to last month and also last year's figures.

The latest job figures for Herefordshire in October showed that the claimant count was 1,135 compared to 1,155 in September and 95 less than the same time last year.

There were 250 claimants aged 18 to 24, which is five more than the previous month but a drop of 20 people on last year's figure.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said retailers are looking for temporary workers for an immediate start to cover the run-up to Christmas.