Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has expressed concern following the publication of the latest claimant count figures, which show an increase in the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in Skipton and Ripon.
The latest Office for National Statistics data shows that 990 people in Skipton and Ripon were claiming unemployment-related benefits in July 2026. This represents an increase of 90 claimants compared with July 2025 and a rise of 30 compared with the previous month. Despite this increase, the claimant rate remains low at 1.7% of the working-age population, well below the UK average of 3.9%.
The data also shows that 130 claimants were aged between 18 and 24. This is five fewer than in the previous month and unchanged compared with the same period last year.
Commenting, Julian said, “While Skipton and Ripon continues to have a claimant rate significantly below the national average, any increase in the number of people relying on unemployment-related benefits is a cause for concern.
“The rise of 90 claimants over the past year is a worrying sign and suggests the Government needs to do more to support businesses to grow and create jobs locally.
“I am particularly concerned about young people taking their first steps into the world of work. Helping young people into employment, training and apprenticeships must remain a priority.
“I will continue working with local businesses and education providers to make sure everyone looking for work has access to the support they need.”
The claimant count includes people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit claimants 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.
