UNEMPLOYMENT in Maldon remains higher than at the same time last year.

The latest figures from the Department of Work and Pensions show that there are 355 people out of work in the district, unchanged from the same time last month.

Similarly, the amount of young people, classified as 18-24 year olds seeking work remains unchanged from last month at 88.

Compared to last year’s figures, that is a seven per cent increase in the amount of young people out of work, and a nine per cent increase overall.

Maldon goes against the regional story, as the east of England and the UK see record levels of employment.

Stuart Brown, operations manager at the East of England Department of Work and Pensions, said: “The national employment rate is at a record high of 75.3 per cent. In the East of England we are up to 77.7 per cent, which is the third highest region in the UK.

“Unemployment in the region is at 3.8 per cent, below the national average of 4.3 per cent. This all includes 73.4 per cent of women also in work, record numbers for the region.”