Your Skipton Radio

6:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Natalie Imbruglia

Torn

Listen Live Podcasts

Skipton MP responds to latest Claimant Count Figures

Saturday, 14 June 2025 09:40

Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith, the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon

Sir Julian Smith MP has responded to the latest claimant count figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which show that the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in the constituency remains significantly below the national average.

In May 2025, there were 995 people in Skipton and Ripon claiming unemployment-related benefits, representing 1.8% of the working-age population (aged 16 to 64), compared to the UK average of 4.1%. This marks a decrease of 55 claimants compared to the same time last year.

Among younger people aged 18 to 24, there were 145 claimants - down 25 on the year but up 10 on the previous month. Overall, the total number of claimants rose by 40 compared to April 2025.

These figures follow recent news from the ONS who have said the jobless rate increased to 4.6% in the three months to the end of April, up from 4.5% on the previous three-month period, to hit the highest level since summer 2021.

Commenting on the figures, Julian said:

“It is encouraging that Skipton and Ripon continues to have one of the lowest claimant rates in the country, and I pay tribute to our local businesses and jobseekers for their resilience.

“However, the national rise in unemployment is concerning. The Labour Government’s jobs tax is a burden to job creation and business confidence.

“I will continue to speak up for our local economy and push for policies that reward work, support employers, and help young people into good jobs.”

More from Local news

Two arrested following pursuit in Skipton

A man has been charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop for the police following a high-speed pursuit through Skipton.
Julian Smith fights for SEND training and autism support in Commons

The MP for Skipton and Ripon, Julian Smith, has called for statutory training requirements for school staff.
Skipton named UK's best town for Wellbeing

According to The Oak Tree Practice's UK Wellbeing Living Awards 2026, Skipton has the best wellbeing in the UK.
Parking charge increase set to cost motorists an extra £3.5m

Opposition councillors have criticised a rise in parking fees set to cost North Yorkshire motorists more than £3.5m a year in extra charges.
Council to review parking charges across North Yorkshire

Parking charges across North Yorkshire, including in Skipton and Harrogate, could change from April if new proposals are approved.
Towns and villages across North Yorkshire to take part in the official Yorkshire Day celebration in 2029

The announcement was made on 13th February by the chairman of North Yorkshire Council, Councillor George Jabbour, during a full council meeting in Northallerton.
Children's charity praise Skipton nursery and building society for support with bake sale

The Principal Trust Children’s Charity has thanked staff at Skipton Building Society and Brougham Street Community Nursery School.
Nursery to raise money for childcare with annual Easter Egg Hunt

Embsay with Eastby Pre-school Playgroup is preparing to hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt later this month.
Red Lion Pub to host grand re-opening after refurbishment

The Red Lion shut its doors in January for refurbishment.
Council update on operator of Alpamare water park

'All options' remain on the table in discussions over the future of a popular North Yorkshire water park.
Visitor levy would be mayor's decision, says senior councillor

A senior North Yorkshire councillor has stressed that his authority would have no say on whether a visitor levy was introduced in York and North Yorkshire as the region’s mayor sets out the next steps for the proposal.
Artisan market to return to Skipton this March

Skipton Artisan Market is set to return to the town next month, with traders due back at the Canal Basin at the start of March.
Skipton families able to access free breakfasts for children during school holidays at Morrisons

Families in Skipton will be able to access free breakfasts for children during school holidays as part of a nationwide initiative launched by Morrisons in partnership with Kellogg’s.
Skipton MP responds to recent claimant figures

New figures released by the Office for National Statistics show the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in the Skipton and Ripon constituency.
Skipton schools encouraged to join Tesco's grant scheme for access to healthy food

Schools and community groups in Skipton are being encouraged to apply for funding through Tesco’s community grant scheme.
Bus company reminds locals of Haworth routes following 'Wuthering Heights' release

Following from the recent release of Emerald Fennell's 'Wuthering Heights' film, buses are reminding locals of routes to where it all started.
Dacre, Son and Hartley share the love for Random Acts of Kindness Day

The estate agents branch in Skipton shared their act of kindness for the day.
Council chiefs deny claims of conspiracy to remove committee chair

Senior North Yorkshire councillors have denied claims that an opposition member was removed as chair of an influential committee due to her questioning of a controversial policy change on home-to-school transport.
Council agrees £150,000 funding to reduce winter deaths

Councillors have agreed to provide £150,000 to Citizens Advice in North Yorkshire to reduce winter deaths and help vulnerable people stay warm in cold weather.
The Craven Heifer Inn officially reopens

The Craven Heifer Inn in Skipton has officially reopened and is now taking bookings for overnight stays.