Benefit numbers rise slightly

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The number of people claiming benefits rose slightly last month, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said.

Unemployment benefit figures increased slightly in August from 63,059 to 63,910.

"This is largely attributed to winter lay-offs in agricultural areas including the East Coast, Bay of Plenty, Central North Island and Taranaki," Ms Bennett said.

She said there was a 1.5 per cent reduction in the number of people on an unemployment benefit in Northland.

And 6596 people cancelled their benefit because they found work.

"It's fantastic to see determined New Zealanders finding jobs despite a tight labour market and a slowly recovering economy," Ms Bennett said.

The number of people receiving a benefit is 336,333.