UNEMPLOYMENT in Tendring has risen for the fourth month running.

Figures released today show there were 3,434 people out of work and claiming benefits last month, up from 3,312 in November.

But the Office for National Statistics’ figures show there were 302 more people in employment last month compared with December 2011.

There are also just 501 vacancies at Tendring’s Jobcentres, which means seven people are chasing every job.

The figures also show 10.3 per cent of young people aged 18 to 24-year-olds are claiming benefits.

More than 4.1 per cent of Tendring’s working-age population is now on benefits – compared to a national average of 3.7 per cent.

In Colchester, just 3,085 people, 2.5 per cent, are out of work.