THE unemployment rate in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa has increased and a further rise is expected.

Figures published by Worcestershire County Council show unemployment rose slightly in July.

The unemployment total for Worcestershire is 6,352 with Bromsgrove and Wychavon being the only districts where unemployment has increased.

In Bromsgrove 842 men and 302 women are out of work.

The town's unemployment rate has increased by 22 claimants.

Business manager Sue Cottrill, at Bromsgrove Jobcentre, in Churchfields, said: "Current figures are not too bad.

"At this time of year we do have students who have left school, college or university and are job-hunting.

"There has been an impact from the Rover sell off but that's minimal."

She said the centre was expecting an increase in November when the Midland Meat Packers plant, in Broad Green, Tardebigge, closes.

Around 150 employees will be made redundant or transferred to the company's main site in Northampton.

"We get a large selection of jobs available every week and, generally, people are very keen to work and would rather not claim benefits," she added.

In Wychavon a total of 957 people are not working.

The district's unemployment rate was 1.7 per cent and in July it rose to 1.8 per cent, with the addition of a further 54 claimants.

Deputy manager at Droitwich Spa Jobcentre, in St Andrew's Street, Lynn Glasson said: "As with Bromsgrove we always expect a slight rise in the summer because of short-term claims made by students.

"However, the town's rate is well below the country's national average which is pleasing."

Worcestershire's unemployment rate remains at 2.4 per cent which compares favourably to the rest of the country at 3.7per cent.