THE number of people claiming out-of-work benefits has increased significantly compared to this time last year.

But the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said this is due to the full introduction of Universal Credit.

The claimant figure in Herefordshire for November was 1,475, which is an increased of 390 compared to the same time last year.

A spokesman for the DWP said: "It is not comparing like for like. The claimant count for last year was only people on Jobseeker's Allowance.

"Universal Credit incorporates a lot more people who come under the remit."

Universal Credit has replaced the following benefits: child tax credit, housing benefit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance,

income-related employment and support allowance, and working tax credit.

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people in or out of work.

The new figures include some claimants who are out of work but not required to seek work to be eligible for their benefits. For example, some people are not required to seek work due to illness or disability.

Compared to five years ago in Herefordshire it is still a drop of 395.

The employment rate in Herefordshire is 81.6 per cent which compares to the West Midlands figure of 76.6 per cent.

The JobCentre is working with Wyevale Nurseries in January on seasonal vacancies. They are also offering forklift training for those eligible.