The number of people out of work in the Borders and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance rose by eight per cent in February.
Figures released on Wednesday showed that in mid-February 2,282 people were claiming the out-of-work benefit in the area, up by 180 from the January figure.
It is the biggest monthly rise in unemployment in the Borders since January 2012, and the total is also the highest since March last year.
Of those people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance locally, less than a third are female.
Across the whole country, the number of claimants increased last month.