THE number of people claiming unemployment benefit and universal credit in Barnsley was 3,890 in October, latest monthly figures show.
The figure was 3.7 per cent up on the previous month, and 18 per cent up on the same month last year, but 48 per cent down when compared to the same month five years ago.
Changes to the benefit system and the way figures are recorded mean some of those included in the figure will be in work but claiming universal credit - including those previously on housing benefit or tax credits.
The figure for those aged 18 to 24 claiming the same benefits is now 845, which is a 1.8 per cent increase on the month before, a nine per cent increase from the same month last year, but a 65 per cent fall compared to five years ago.
Paul Boyd, from Jobcentre Plus, said the employment market in Barnsley was still very buoyant with a number of recruitment events taking place at Barnsley Jobcentre.
A Blue Arrow and Capita group recruitment session will be held on Wednesday, Allied Homecare is holding a recruitment event on Monday from 1pm, and Voyage Care is holding an event on Tuesday between 10am and 3pm.
At Goldthorpe Jobcentre, Solar Frame is holding a recruitment event on Wednesday from 10am.
