The number of people in Sittingbourne and Sheppey claiming out-of-work benefits is at its highest in three years.

Figures published on Wednesday revealed there were 1,705 jobseeker’s allowance claimants in the constituency in January, up 20 from the previous month.

It is the highest amount since August 2014, when 1,740 people were claiming.

The Jobcentre’s Jane Durant, partnership manager for Swale, said: “We always get a January spike. It’s something that we have year-on-year.”

According to Mrs Durant, this is the result of people coming out of temporary positions after the Christmas period.

“Every year, immediately after Christmas, we get a return of customers who had temporary jobs or agency work during the festive months that have since come to an end,” she said.

A rise in the number of single parents switching from income support to jobseeker’s allowance also added to January’s figure, Mrs Durant added.

“There is a job out there for everyone, if they want one. It might not necessarily be their dream job, but there is a job there and it’s a stepping stone if nothing else." - Jobcentre’s Jane Durant

“Single parents claiming income support are not required to find a job until their youngest child turns five.

“At that point, they have to come in and apply for jobseeker’s allowance.

“We’ve seen a few more lone parents coming in so that has added to the numbers.”

Mrs Durant insisted it was not “doom and gloom” and that the labour market was still “buoyant”.

She said: “There is a job out there for everyone, if they want one. It might not necessarily be their dream job, but there is a job there and it’s a stepping stone if nothing else.

“We can help people get a job, then a better one and then a career.

“Yes, the amount of claimants rose slightly in January, but the year-on-year figures are at a steady flow – it’s still positive out there.”

Nationally, the employment rate is at a record 74.6% – the highest employment rate since records began in 1971.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Damian Green said: “With employment at its highest rate since records began, and unemployment at its lowest in over a decade, we remain in a position of strength.”