The UK unemployment rate has surged to its highest level in over three years as the pandemic continues to hit jobs.

The unemployment rate grew to 4.5 per cent in the three months to August, compared with 4.1 per cent in the previous quarter.

In Worcester, unemployment claims increased last month in comparison to August, according to The Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).

The DWP said that Worcester’s unemployment claims under Universal Credit was 8,551 in September, which increased by 203 (with 8,348 claimants) in August.

Worcester’s MP Robin Walker said: “It concerns me to see the figures so high.The only good I see from this is that Worcester’s figures are lower than the national average and parts of the country.

“I think it’s important that there’s been extra funding that’s gone into universal credit which is continuing until at least March next year.

“I think if the pandemic is continuing at that point I would like to see that extended because I think it’s important that people get the support that they need.

“It’s something we will have to see where we are in March to see if that can be extended. I would welcome it if it could.

“There’s an extra element that has been added during the course of the pandemic which means people have been getting a little bit extra a month. It’s important that is in place because many people are currently having to claim due to no fault of their own, because businesses have closed or had to pay layoffs.”

Worcester Jobcentre is offering face to face interviews for 18 to 24-year olds. Specialist work coaches are being trained to support this customer group to offer bespoke advice and support to move them closer to the labour market.

There are a number of NHS vacancies in the Worcestershire area, and KFC are also recruiting.

There are several care organisations offering employment within Evesham/Worcester/Malvern and the surrounding areas.

The DWP offers supportive virtual training available to help anyone gain entry qualifications to take up this type of employment.

All training is taking place virtually.

DWP have also been supporting local employers across the area, offering support and advice around the new Kickstart programme.

They have been signposting them to the Gov.UK web site where full information can be found. This scheme is progressing well, with some vacancies already online.

Meanwhile redundancies rose to their highest level since 2009, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

It comes as the government prepares to impose tough local lockdown rules that will force some businesses to close, potentially leading to more job losses.