The number of people claiming out-of-work benefits in my constituency of Sunderland Central has increased yet again -; as these latest figures show.

Last month 2,280 people in the constituency claimed benefits including Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit -; up by 85 from January.

This means that there are 235 more people claiming benefits within Sunderland Central than in February 2016 -; a figure that is just not acceptable.

My constituency is now ranked the 62^nd highest of 650 UK constituencies in terms of claimant count, which emphasises just how much our city needs extra funding.

The Tory Government needs to do something, and do something soon. People not only need jobs, but they need proper job security and legal safeguards.