UNEMPLOYMENT has increased in Worcester, Malvern and Evesham from this time last year.

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in the city has increased to 1,025 from 1,020 this time last year.

The number of 18-24 year olds claiming benefits has also increased to 220 up from 215 this time last year.

In Wychavon, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in the area has increased to 720 from 635 this time last year.

The number of 18-24 year olds claiming benefits has also increased to 140 from 135 this time last year.

In Malvern Hills, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in the area has increased to 505 from 420 this time last year.

The number of 18-24 year olds claiming benefits has also increased to 105 from 100 this time last year.

Throughout the country, unemployment has increased by the largest amount in almost five years.

There were 1.47 million people out of work in the quarter to December 2017, an increase of 46,000, giving a jobless rate of 4.4 per cent.

The quarterly rise was the biggest since early 2013, although unemployment is 123,000 lower than a year ago, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

ONS statistician Matt Hughes said: "While this is the sharpest increase in the unemployment level ONS has seen in almost five years, the number of people in work has continued to rise and there are fewer economically inactive people."

Employment Minister Alok Sharma said: "High employment rates are a reliable feature of today’s economy – and this is an incredible achievement.

"It is equally important that, across society, everyone has the opportunity to get a good job, and get on in life.

"Today’s figures show that this Government is building a fairer economy that supports people from all backgrounds to get into work.

"We are closing the BAME and gender employment gaps, and people across the country are accessing new opportunities."