The number of unemployed people in Kent and Medway has risen by 876 people to 34,196.

Every council in Kent saw a rise in its claimant count, the number of its residents claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

Medway saw the highest rise in those out of work, with 213 more potential workers in the dole queue in the month to July, a total of 6,887.

The smallest increase was in Thanet, with 26 more people out of work, totalling 4,305.

Swale saw an increase of 96 to 3,134 while Maidstone recorded a rise of 82 to 2,420.

Next worst was Ashford, with 74 more people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, a total of 1,896.

Shepway's dole queues increased by 69 to 2,504, Tunbridge Wells' by 62 to 1,171, Dover's by 53 to 2,256 and Gravesham's by 52 to 2,645.

Fairing slightly better were Sevenoaks with a rise of 47 to 1,248, Tonbridge and Malling by 40 to 1,483, Canterbury going up by 33 to 2,273 and Dartford by 29 to 1,974.

Nationally the numbers claiming Jobseeker's Allowance increased by 37,100 in July to 1.56 million.

For the month leading up to June, the claimant count in Kent had fallen by 625 to 33,320.

Jo James, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce chief executive, believes the June jobless figures were probably better because seasonal workers were being taken on.

She said:"The July figures do reflect what is happening in the wider economy.

"We still have a fragile economy and unfortunately the private sector are not yet in a position to increase jobs significantly to mitigate any net losses from the public sector.

"If Kent businesses are to be encouraged to increase their workforce then the government needs to do more to ease the burdens associated with employment regulations and inspire confidence and investment."