Latest figures show a small decrease in the number of Wirral people claiming benefit.

Across the country, the total number of people out of work increased by 30,000 between July and September to just under 2.5m.

The UK youth unemployment rate has reached a record high of almost 20% as the jobless total continued to increase, although at a slower pace.

Other figures showed that nationally, the number on Jobseeker's Allowance rose by 12,900 in October to 1.64m, the 20th consecutive monthly increase, said the Office for National Statistics.

Claimant figures for Wirral by parliamentary constituency are:

Birkenhead: 3,921 (July: 3,960)

Wallasey: 3,248 (July: 3,250)

Wirral South: 1,493 (July: 1,582 )

Wiral West: 1,691 (July: 1,684)

Total claimants: 10,352 (July: 10,476)

The local figures were given a cautious welcome by Wirral West MP Stephen Hesford, who said: "While we are still in the middle of a recession, there are signs that we seem to have passed through the worst.

"The figures are very encouraging and are tentative pointers that Wirral is in as good shape as many places to come through."