Cumbria has seen a second consecutive hike in unemployment, with 85 more claims made in December.
According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 5,940 people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit last month – another significant rise on the revised figures for October of 5,855.
It is the second month the county has seen a sizeable rise, with 120 more claims made back in November compared to the previous month and means that two per cent of the population is recorded as unemployed.
South Lakeland saw the biggest hike, with 45 more claims made, although the total of 370 represents just 0.6 per cent of the district’s population. Allerdale also saw an increase of 15, taking the total to 1,720 (3 per cent) while Eden saw a rise of just five, taking the total to 325 (1 per cent).
Carlisle again was hit hard, with 30 more claims made compared to the previous month.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here