THE number of people out of work in Wirral has risen, according to new figures.

Data from the Office for National Statistics show 3,965 claimed Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit in October, an increase of 20 on the previous month.

Merseyside Jobcentre Plus spokesman Clive Morris told the Globe: "There was a small increase in the number of people claiming unemployment last month.

"But, on a more positive note, the claimant count has fallen by 17 per cent on this time last year.

"There are more job opportunities available, for example contact centre vacancies and seasonal recruitment."

The number of people in work has jumped by 461,000 over the past year to a near-record high of just under 32 million.

The claimant count increased by 9,800 in September to 803,300, the third consecutive monthly rise.

Youth unemployment is down by almost 350,000 since 2010, while the number of disabled people in work has increased by 590,000 in the past three years.

Employment minister Damian Hinds said: "Yet again we have a strong set of figures, with employment continuing to run at a record high and unemployment falling to an 11-year low.

"Growth is being fuelled by full-time professional jobs while wages are continuing to perform strongly, which underlines the resilience of the UK labour market.

"The measures we have taken have put our economy in a position of strength, and we will work to ensure more people can benefit from these opportunities as we build a country that works for everyone."