Workers and businesses in Staffordshire have been reminded of how they can access support after the latest out of work claimant statistics were announced.

With national and local support programmes ever changing with the latest Covid-19 regulations, county council leader Alan White urged workers and businesses to find out about the different kinds of support available.

The latest out-of-work claimant statistics released this week show the number of Staffordshire people claiming is 4.8 per cent of the local population – a slight reduction on last month's figure (4.9 per cent). This remains lower than both regional (7.3 per cent) and national (6.3 per cent) figures.

At a meeting next week, the county council's Cabinet will be discussing the support the authority is offering to local businesses, with an expected increase in the use of this support over the coming months.

Some of the current support being offered includes a support scheme for those looking to set up a business, a loan scheme and student start-up scheme.

Staffordshire businesses can also find out more about the Kickstart scheme for 16 to 24-year-olds, which enables them to take on fully funded work placements.

The national Job Retention (furlough) Scheme has now been extended until the end of March next year, along with the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Business premises forced to close in England are to receive grants worth up to £3,000 per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant and £1.1bn is being given to district and borough councils.

Staffordshire County Council leader Alan White said: "This month's claimant count figure for Staffordshire comes as no surprise given the current climate and newly introduced restrictions, though there has been a slight decrease. The extension of the national Job Retention Scheme is certainly welcome news.

"Staffordshire's figure remains lower than regional and national averages and the county council has worked hard with partners to ensure a range of targeted support is accessible locally.

"Next week we will be presented with our latest start-up support schemes, with the first already attracting over 100 applications and we look forward to seeing more benefit in the coming months.

"We understand that support is updated, or new programmes launched on a regular basis and that's why we want to ensure everyone has the latest information so they can access it quickly."

Any business or worker wanting more information on support programmes should contact the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub or call 0300 111 8002.