UNEMPLOYMENT in the borough has risen slightly over the first three months of this year - but figures are still lower than 12 months ago.

March's statistics show 3,195 people claiming out of work benefits in St Helens, compared with 3,130 in the previous month and 3,005 in January.

There were 3,280 on benefits in March 2016's figures, 85 more than currently.

Meanwhile, among 18 to 24-year-olds there are 750 claimants in March, compared with 710 and 725 in previous months. However, the figure is still significantly lower than the 900 claiming in March 2016.

"Looking at the figures for all age groups between this year and last shows a drop of 85 which is small but still in the right direction," said Jobcentre Plus spokesman Clive Morris.

"For 18 to 24-year-olds it's a better story and we've seen a drop in the last 12 months of 17 per cent, which is 150 less young people on our claimant count and that is higher than the Merseyside average."