MORE people are claiming out-of-work benefits in Herefordshire than at the same time last year, Department for Work and Pensions figures have revealed.

The Department for Work and Pensions' February figures show there were 1,302 claimants in Herefordshire, an increase of 113 since the same time last year, but a decrease of 58 compared to the same time five years ago.

Of those, 216 were aged 18 to 24, an increase of 38 compared to the same time last year, but a decrease of 33 since the same time five years ago.

The number of claimants was measured using the new Alternative Claimant Count, which was introduced following the introduction of Universal Credit.

It includes those claiming jobseeker's allowance, universal credit with searching for work conditionality, housing benefit, child tax credit and partners of income based jobseeker's allowance, employment and support allowance or income support claimants.

Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson Wendy Bateman explained major recruitment drives by big businesses have made a difference across Herefordshire, with Burger King in Ross-on-Wye offering jobs to 15 people, while Wyevale in Hereford has vacancies for seasonal workers.