UNemployment in Bury has risen, according to the latest statistics released.

The jobless figure has increased to 4.2 per cent, with the total claimants for Job Seekers’ Allowance rising to 4,796.

Unemployment across Greater Manchester has also risen sharply/ the number of people claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance has risen to 81,633.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said the figures were especially sad because firms were trying to avoid cutting jobs by adopting other measures, such as shorter hours,