Unemployment has risen slightly in Cumbria, halting four consecutive months of falls.

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 5,675 people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit in September – a rise of just five compared to revised figures for August.

It means that 1.9 per cent of Cumbria’s population is recorded as unemployed, below the national average of 2.2 per cent.

The month saw another mixed bag for Cumbria’s six districts, with a sizeable rise in Carlisle offset by a big fall in Allerdale. Carlisle saw the number of claims made rise by 35 to 1,100, representing 1.7 per cent of the population. Allerdale saw a fall of 35 claims made to 1,725, equating to three per cent of the population.

Barrow and Eden saw rises of 10, taking the figures to 975 (2.4 per cent) and 250 (0.8 per cent) respectively. Claims made in Copeland dropped by 10, taking the total figures to 1,305 (3.1 per cent), while South Lakeland saw five fewer claims, taking the total to 320 (0.5 per cent).

Shane Byrne, Cumbria partnership manager at Jobcentre Plus, said the figures were positive, despite the long run of falls coming to an end.

“The picture for Cumbria is really positive,” he said.

“We’re continuing to work with a lot of employers to help them fill gaps they have in their workforce, particularly in the care sector and logistics. Retail is also gearing up for Christmas now.”

Mr Byrne said an initiative where Jobcentre Plus staff hunt our job vacancies on social media platforms before sharing them with job seekers, was having a positive impact on filling vacancies.

“It really is addressing the issue that if people don’t know about vacancies then they can’t apply,” he said.

“Employers are turning more to social media to advertise vacancies, but not everyone has access or the know-how to search for them.”

Mr Byrne also urged young people looking for jobs to take up expert advice and guidance on offer at Cumbria’s Jobcentre Plus bases.

“With the number of young people out of work lower than ever in the county, and with apprenticeship take up very high, we’re really keen to help those who haven’t secured employment yet,” he stressed, adding that Jobcentre Plus works with organisations including Inspira and local colleges to offer a helping hand.

Mr Byrne also said that the controversial Universal Credit system was having a positive impact across the county. Jobcentre Plus based in Carlisle, Penrith and Kendal have all switched to Universal Credit, with Barrow’s set to be the last in Cumbria to go live in early December.