<b>THE latest jobless figures for Redditch show that the number of people claiming benefits increased by 70 over the same period last year to 875 <b>
However, this figure is still 335 fewer than in 2010.
The figures for nearby Bromsgrove also show an increase, up 40 to 615, still well below the 713 on benefits in 2010.
A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) said the increases could be down to the roll out of Universal Credit and said a number of jobs fairs were planned to find match more people to vacancies.
