UNEMPLOYMENT in Bolton has risen, new figures show.

The most recent statistics reveal that in November, there were 4,280 people out of work in the town.

That is an increase of 0.5 per cent on the previous month, and a rise of 0.2 per cent on the same period in 2004.

The figures have been released by Manchester Enterprises, the development agency for Greater Manchester.

Some blame has been placed on a rise in energy and raw material costs, with many companies across Greater Manchester predicting a 'subdued year' for 2006.

Cllr David Wilkinson, the Executive Member for Development and Regeneration for Bolton Council, said that the small increase was regrettable, but added that there were reasons for optimism. He said: "It doesn't matter how small the increase is, anyone who has been unemployed knows that it is not much fun, but there are developments and projects taking place that will provide employment and training for plenty of people in the coming months and years."

Bolton's unemployment rate of 3.6 per cent has remained fairly steady, and it is still behind Salford and Rochdale, both at 3.7 per cent, and Manchester at 6.9 per cent.

It remains higher than the average Greater Manchester unemployment rate of 3.5 per cent, and the North-west average of 3.4 per cent.

Figures are still well below the national average of 5.0 per cent.

A new survey from the Greater Manchester Chamber said that UK sales and orders had fallen across Greater Manchester.

Dr John Risk, principal economic adviser to the chamber, said: "The message from businesses is generally downbeat, with investment and employment levels subdued.

"Given factors such as the cost of energy and raw materials, businesses appear to be taking a cautious view on investment. There is scope for improvement, with signs of rising exports."

Latest Office for National Statistics figures show that nationally, the number of people out of work in the UK as a whole has also risen.

The jobless total rose by 111,000 to 1.53 million in the three months to November, pushing the jobless rate up to 5 per cent, the highest for three years.