Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has expressed concern following the publication of the latest claimant count figures, which show a further increase in the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits across Skipton and Ripon.
The latest Office for National Statistics data shows that 975 people in Skipton and Ripon were claiming unemployment-related benefits in August 2026, representing an increase of 50 claimants compared with August 2025. The claimant rate remains at 1.7% of the working-age population, significantly below the UK average of 3.9%.
The figures also show that 145 claimants were aged between 18 and 24, an increase of 20 compared with the previous month. The number of young claimants remains unchanged compared with the same period last year.
Commenting, Julian said, "While Skipton and Ripon continues to have a claimant rate well below the national average, it is concerning to see yet another increase in the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits.
"I am particularly concerned by the rise in the number of young people aged 18 to 24 claiming unemployment-related benefits. Supporting young people into work, training and apprenticeships must remain a priority.
"The Government needs to create the conditions for businesses to grow, invest and create jobs, particularly in rural areas such as ours.
"I will continue working with local employers, training providers and community organisations to ensure people across Skipton and Ripon have access to opportunities and the support they need to get into work."
The claimant count includes people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit who are required to seek work. While claimant count figures are not the same as official unemployment statistics, they provide the closest available measure of unemployment-related benefit claims at constituency level.
