Rise in jobless defies national trend

the number of people out of work in Oldham rose in January, against the national trend.

There were 8,057 people on the borough’s claimant count, a rise of 480 — almost certainly due to temporary and contract workers being laid off after Christmas seasonal work.

The total of 5,269 men, up 370, and 2,788 women, up 110, remains disappointing, though is 59 down on January a year ago.

Compared with last year, the number of men out of work is down 277 - but 218 more women are looking for jobs.

Nationally, the number of people claiming jobseeker’s allowance has fallen to a near two–year low after a huge increase in employment.