THE latest figures show 5,283 people claimed out-of-work benefits in Swindon last month – a slight drop on January’s figures.

The total was down by 137, despite a string of businesses going to the wall, including Westmode Ltd, based in Stratton St Margaret, which went into administration last month with the loss of 165 jobs.

The claimants included 1,600 people aged 18 to 24 – down by 70 on the month before, according to figures published by the Office For National Statistics.

The drop came as the Government said the labour market was stabilising nationally.

Unemployment was up 28,000 on the previous quarter, but down by 5,000 on the last month.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: “This is a more encouraging set of figures, with signs the labour market is stabilising, but there is clearly still a big challenge to bring down unemployment and get people back to work.

“The international economic outlook remains difficult but we will do everything we can to help the unemployed find jobs.”