The number of people out of work or seeking work in Cumbria remained stable last month compared to July.

Official figures showed the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit stood at 14,000.

There were small increases in Allerdale (up by 10 to 2815), Barrow (up by 35 to 2125) and Carlisle (up by 50 to 3525).

However, there was no change in Copeland and falls in Eden (down by 30 to 1220) and South Lakeland (down 70 to 2295).

The latter figures were attributed to the reopening of the tourism and hospitality sector earlier this year.

Compared to the pre-pandemic situation in March, there were 7,065 more people on the claimant count in Cumbria, an increase of 102 per cent compared to an increase of 115 per cent nationally.

Compared to a year ago there were 7,510 more claimants, an increase of 116 per cent.

There were 2,353 job postings in August, 455 more than in July and the fourth consecutive rise, but levels were still lower than in February.

There had been 78,200 claims under the furlough scheme by the end of July, a take-up rate of 34 per cent compared to a rate of 32 per cent nationally. Eden and South Lakeland continue to have the highest take-up rates in the country.

There had been 18,700 claims under the self-employment support scheme in Cumbria by the end of July, a take-up rate of 75 per cent compared to 77 per cent nationally.

There were 31,525 active companies in Cumbria at the end of August, 202 more than in July.