JOBLESS figures in Bury have bucked the trend for the second month and risen.

While national and regional rates are falling, the number out of work locally in August went up by a further 22.

The latest statistics comprise 2,113 men and 792 women.

The unemployment rate for the Bolton and Bury travel-to-work area is 4.8 per cent, the same as the North West rate which came down from 5 per cent. The Greater Manchester rate remains at 6 per cent.

During August, Bury, Radcliffe and Prestwich Job Centres had 655, 156 and 123 unfilled vacancies respectively.

Bury Job Centre placed 259 people into work, Radcliffe 96 and Prestwich 93.

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