AN advice leaflet has been produced to let people know about the benefits they can claim after redundancy.

The welfare rights service at Durham County Council has come up with the information sheet Benefits After Redundancy to help out people who have lost their job.

Staff at the service are encouraging people who may have been made redundant to get in touch with a welfare rights adviser.

Chris Graham, the county council's principal welfare rights officer, said: "People who have been made redundant this year may be worried about money in the run up to Christmas.

"They may have found another job but need to know about 'in-work' benefits and we would encourage them to get in touch with us."

A number of dedicated teams have been set up to offer welfare advice to potential claimants.

In Durham and Chester-le-Street, ring 0191-383 6081, in Easington, ring 0191-518 2598, in Derwentside ring (01207) 291535, in Sedgefield ring (01325) 309402 or in Teesdale and Wear Valley ring (01388) 744430.