THE number of people in Brighton and Hove claiming Jobseekers' Allowance has risen to more than 3,000.

Brighton Jobcentre Plus bosses say the increase in October of 148 to 3,005 was expected and they are working to get the figures back down.

However, they say they are not being complacent about the figures, and are hosting a Training and Apprenticeships Fair tomorrow (Wednesday, November 23).

Steve Benwell, district relationship manager at the Department for Work and Pensions, said the purpose of the event is to bring together a broad range of training and support available to jobseekers.

Organisations attending will include City College Brighton and Hove, and Northbrook College, Sussex Downs College, Tempus Training, YMCA, Skills Training UK, The Platform, and the National Careers Service.

Hopscotch Nursery - who are looking to recruit apprentices - will also be present along with Capita, who are offering sector based training for positions with Barclays Bank.

Mr Benwell said: "This is an opportunity for jobseekers to update their skills and help them prepare for looking for work.

"As well as advice about the free training options available, a number of colleges and other partners will have apprenticeship vacancies available to apply for.

"They will be able to find out about training routeways into a number of the key sectors in the city, get training around IT and other skills, receive support with their CV and develop their jobsearch skills."

Of the 3,005 jobless in the city, 620 are aged 18-24, and the numbers of young people claiming benefit has remained the same in October compared to the previous month.

However, due to the increase in the numbers of people actually entering the labour market, locally, the unemployment rate continues to fall.

Mr Benwell said: "Some of the increase in the claimant count figures is to be expected, as traditionally October, January, and July see seasonal spikes in the numbers of people claiming benefit.

"However, it would obviously be complacent to ignore any increase in the numbers of people claiming benefit."

He said that the jobs market is still quite buoyant.

Last week Brighton Jobcentre Plus hosted 14 local employers for a recruitment event, covering a wide range of occupations, and several - including UPS, Total Security and Hunters Recruitment - have already successfully recruited people.

Mr Benwell said: "Others, including Barclays, Domestic and General and Pizza Hut, are still recruiting with us, so the jobs are certainly out there.

"The challenge for us at the DWP is to help enable our claimants to be as prepared as they can be to apply and take up these jobs."

Brighton Jobcentre Plus is staging the fair on Wednesday, November 23 from 10am until noon at its premises in Edward Street.