OLDHAM'S claimant count has increased by 35 per cent since last year, new figures show.

However Job Centre staff argue that the increase of claimants is due to the ongoing rollout of Universal Credit in the borough.

New Office of National Statistics Figures show that the number of claimants rose to 5,260 in December up by from 1,370 from last year. Of those claimants, 1,080 were aged 18 to 24.

Ian Mitchell, Greater Manchester Job Centre Partnership Manager said: "The figures for Oldham show a big increase from last year however this continues to be the result of the Universal Credit full roll-out.

"More people are now being registered in the claimant count who would not have been included previously, such as those claiming housing benefit or income support."

He added that the job market in Oldham and nationally remains "buoyant" with 1,261 jobs posted on Universal Jobmatch within the last 30 days in a five mile radius of Oldham.

There are also 139 apprenticeship vacancies in a variety of sectors and the Job Centre is currently running Apprenticeship group information sessions for customers.

Other new developments include the announcement of a new B&M store in Oldham's Spindles Shopping Centre and the new E&E Euro warehouse offering employment opportunities.

Ian has also shared his top tips for finding work, including looking in the right places and being interview ready.

He said: "Many companies look to make changes at the start of a new year, and they often have fresh budgets for hiring staff.

"It’s important to make yourself stand out from the crowd when applying for a job.

"It’s really important to have a good CV. When writing yours, think about the skills you’ve learnt from previous jobs, or what you’ve learnt in school or college. You should also make sure you tailor your CV depending on the job you’re applying for.

"If you get an interview, research the organisation to see what work they’re currently doing and to find out their latest news.

"Demonstrating you have an understanding of the organisation and their industry will help set you apart from other interviewees.

"Dressing smartly, being on time, and asking at least one question about the role you’ve applied for are also good ways to impress in an interview."

Nationally the employment rate is at a joint record high of 75.3 per cent with 32.2 million people now in work. Unemployment is down 3,000 on quarter and at the lowest rate since 1975.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Esther McVey, said: “We had a record-breaking 2017 for employment, and I’m delighted to see this trend continue as we enter the New Year.

“The number of people in work is at an all-time high and the unemployment rate has not been this low for over 40 years.

"At this time of year, straight after Christmas, people might be feeling a squeeze on their finances. We’re determined to help people keep more of what they earn.

“That’s why we’ve increased the National Living Wage, introduced Universal Credit to offer greater flexibility and taken millions of people out of income tax altogether by raising the tax-free personal allowance.”