LATEST figures show nationally unemployment is down; but it is up in the district.
A Petersfield Job Centre spokesman said: “There are now 435 people in East?Hampshire on Job Seekers Allowance and Universal Credit, an increase of 15.”
The national figures are from before the European Union (EU) referendum vote and reveal employment is at a record high, and unemployment is at a ten-year low. The East Hampshire rise is more recent, post the EU vote.
The Office for National Statistics also said wages have increased by 2.3 per cent year on year.
East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds who is Minister for Employment, and said: “There can be volatility in unemployment month to month. Overall, East Hampshire has a comparatively low level of unemployment.
“One factor affecting salaries is the National Living Wage initially at £7.20 an hour, which has been a significant pay rise for people aged 25 and over and on the National Minimum Wage.”