THE number of unemployed people in Bolton rose by 130 last month.

New figures show that the number of unemployment benefit claimants rose to 5,660 in January, 1, 145 of whom were aged between 18 and 24.

However, a Jobcentre spokesman said that the end of temporary holiday employment was most likely behind the increase.

They said: “When you look at the period concerned, what could account for those extra 130 claimants is if people have been in temporary employment over Christmas.

“As always, we are working with our partners across Bolton to provide employment opportunities.”