A two-year high in regional unemployment figures has led to local business leaders issuing warnings that this may not be the worst the situation will get.

Latest statistics from the Department of Work and Pensions have revealed a large increase in the number of young people (16-24) in Kenilworth and the rest of Warwickshire applying for universal credit.

As of August 13 this number was 1,323, compared to the 556 who were claiming the same government support before lockdown was introduced in early March.

Overall, unemployment had risen to 4.1% during lockdown.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, has warned that this might not be the worst of the situation.

"We know from regional intelligence that once the furlough scheme finishes, we are going to see a further rise in unemployment.

"So the next round of figures are, more than likely, going to get worse before we can hope that they start to get better."

Warwickshire is not isolated in this however. The West Midlands has seen a rise in the number of young people on Universal Credit, from 54,325 to 97,102.

Young people are currently considered to be the worst affected across the UK.

The government has responded to this with the introduction of their new Kickstart Campaign.

The scheme will provide funding to employers to create 6-month job placements for young people who are currently receiving UC.

More information on the scheme can be found here.

Bennett has also commented on the scheme, "the Government has introduced the new Kickstart scheme to help young people into the workplace and businesses that want to benefit from that can contact the Chamber for support in accessing that programme."