The number of people on unemployment benefits in Kent has risen by more than 300 in the last month.

There were 21,585 people on either jobseekers allowance or universal credit in August, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Women made up the majority of extra claimants, with 275 more on the dole, totalling 8,910.

However, men still make up the majority of those on unemployment benefits at 12,675, up 50.

Across the county, the biggest increases were in Medway, up by 140 to 3,475.

Next up was Swale, rising by 100 to 2,625.

Dartford, Dover, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells all saw a fall in the number of claims.

Across the South East, unemployment increased by 16,000 to 177,000 in the three months to July, giving the area an unemployment rate of 3.7%, its highest level in more than two years.

Nationally, the number of people out of work fell by 55,000 to 1.36 million, with the jobless rate remaining at 4%, its lowest level in 43 years.

Wages have grown at their fastest rate in three years, increasing by 2.9%.

The figures act as a key guide to the health of the economy.