A SIGNIFICANT rise in Tendring’s unemployment rate could be down to a post-Christmas slump.

In January, Tendring saw the number of people in the district claiming unemployment-related benefits rise to 2,235.

This is an increase of 45 compared to the previous month, and follows a steady rise in unemployment figures in the district since August.

Since August, the amount of people in Tendring claiming unemployment-related benefits has risen to 2.9 per cent.

Dave Cope, of Jobcentre Plus, said: “Last month the figure was 2,190, this month we are looking at 2,235.

“There is an increase there, the rise is considerable and significant by recent standards.

“There are some seasonal aspects to this, it is the post-Christmas period.

“Although we are halfway through February already, these are the January figures and we can expect to see a little bit of an increase around this time.

“The figures are pretty much in line with the overall picture in all parts of Essex, including a steady move in the right direction.”