PENDLE'S unemployment rate increased last month despite the country having the lowest unemployment rate in 25 years.
There were 1,453 people -- 1,089 men and 364 women -- out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance in the borough compared to 1,216 in December 2000.
Gordon Prentice MP said: "Pendle jobless figures have risen this month. The closure of the West Marton Creamery at the end of last year will have affected the figures for January.
"However nationally the most up-to-date figures show a big fall in the number of claimants and after some fluctuating figures in the autumn months, the improvement of the labour market seems to be back on track.
"The announcement from the Government of £250 million grant for Rolls Royce is good news but cash on this scale must be tied to a UK jobs guarantee."
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