WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has raised concerns over the increase in the unemployment claimant count in her constituency.

The constituency claimant count figures for September were published last week.

The number of unemployed claimants in Warrington North in September totalled 1,935 – an increase of 295 from last year.

Labour's Mrs Jones said: "I am concerned at the increase in these figures.

"The claimant number has gone up by 295 since September of last year.

"Part of the problem may be a result of the roll-out of universal credit, which is more advanced in Warrington than in other areas, but the upward trend is a worry and I will be discussing how Warrington & Co can assist in reversing the trend with its managing director."

In Warrington South, the claimant count totalled 1,510 – an increase of 260 from last year.