THERE are more people in Bromsgrove out of work than this time last year.

Department of Work and Pensions figures for the month of July show a rise in unemployment rates by seven per cent across the district, bringing the number of residents claiming job seekers' allowance and universal credit up to 620.

There has also been a rise in unemployment among 18 to 24-year-olds, from 130 in July 2016 to 140 to date.

But the district's figures are still far lower than five years ago, with a claimant count reduction of 230 people.