ST HELENS has bucked "national trends" thanks to a jobs boost in the retail sector - but has seen a slight increase in claimants of unemployment benefits, says the DWP.

Jobs figures released today show a 76.1% employment rate nationally, described as the highest since records began in 1971.

Unemployment fell by 35,000 to 1.34 million in the period, putting the rate below four per cent for the first time since 1975.

In the north west the figure is 3.6 per cent.

However, according to a calculation which compares the number of unemployed claimants with 12 months previously, St Helens saw a two per cent rise between November 2017 and November 2018, the latest figures available.

Meanwhile, among young people aged 18 to 24, there was a one per cent decrease in claimants.

The DWP says the new local statistics are released every three months.

A spokesman said the new retail and leisure complex at West Point, which will see a Superbowl UK and Home Bargains open this spring, has boosted figures recently - along with other vacancies at retail parks.

"We have worked with the employers in St Helens who tell me that as usual warehousing, manufacturing and care are sectors where employers are recruiting," said Clive Morris, of JobCentre Plus.

"And also in St Helens, there is retail which goes against some of the national trends. There are some jobs at retail parks, including West Point where there are two or three openings."

Clive added: "One of the things I'm mentioning is the Stronger Towns Fund. I think looking ahead at future investment is really important to support these figures going forward so we should see something locally based.

"We're working hard with customers to ensure we can give them as much support as possible to make sure they can compete for these jobs."