Youth unemployment in Wiltshire is greater than at the height of the recession, according to Wiltshire Council.

In September, according to the council, the number of people claiming unemployment was 12,605, a drop from the figures in August which saw 12,850 claimants.

Of those out of work, 2,660 are under the age of 24 which is higher than at the peak of the financial recession where around 2,400 young people were unemployed in Wiltshire.

The rate of unemployment in the county now stands at 4.2 per cent, compared to the national rate of 6.5 per cent and the regional rate of 5.3 per cent.

The council said that it is continuing to process the £500 payments for those unable to work while self-isolating.

At the Cabinet meeting, today (Tuesday) the council said it has received £168,000 from the government – up until the end of January next year – to make payments for those who are eligible for the scheme.

The council has also received £101,000 for discretionary payments to those who are not eligible but are self-isolating.

In two weeks, the local authority has received 180 applications of which 40 are eligible for the self-isolating fund.