Skipton and Ripon MP, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, has responded to the latest claimant count figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), outlining the current state of unemployment-related benefit claims in the Skipton and Ripon constituency.
The figures for November 2024 show:
- 1,080 people in Skipton and Ripon were claiming unemployment-related benefits, which is 1.9% of the population aged 16-64, compared to the UK average of 3.9%.
- 180 claimants were aged 18-24.
Over the past year, the total number of claimants in Skipton and Ripon has risen by 180, with a monthly increase of 10 claimants. Among young people aged 18-24, the count has risen by 30 over the year and 5 over the past month.
These figures include individuals claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit who are required to look for work.
Commenting, Julian said: “Figures from the ONS show that, although the claimant rate in Skipton and Ripon remains well below the national average, the rise over the past year highlights the need to support local jobseekers, particularly young people.
“Labour’s job tax by increasing national insurance will discourage employers from creating new jobs. Instead, we must continue to invest in skills, training, and opportunities to help people into work and strengthen the local economy.”
