Unemployment in Braintree district has risen for the first time in a year.

A total of 1,872 people claimed Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) last month, compared to 1,816 claimants in December.

Since January 2013, when there were 2,613 people on JSA, the amount of claimants had dropped steadily every month.

Younger residents continue to be the worst affected, with 4.5 per cent of 18-to-24-year-olds currently claiming JSA.

This compares to a claim rate of only 1.9 per cent in the 25 to 49 age group.