Cumbria has seen a second consecutive rise in unemployment.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), found that 6,545 people claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance or received support through Universal Credit to seek work in August – a rise of 50 compared to revised figures for July.

Barrow recorded a rise, with 25 new claims made, taking the total to 1,210 (three per cent, while Copeland saw a slight rise of five, with a total of 1,250 claims (three per cent). South Lakeland’s figure fell.

The latest figures see both Barrow and Copeland above the national average of 2.8 per cent. Cumbria as a whole remains below at 2.2 per cent.

The two consecutive months of rises follow an unchanged picture in June, which saw stability following several months of rises during late 2018.