Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has raised concerns after new figures showed an increase in the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits across the constituency.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 990 people in Skipton and Ripon were claiming unemployment-related benefits in July 2026.
That is an increase of 90 people compared with July 2025, while the number of claimants also rose by 30 compared with the previous month.
Despite the increase, the claimant rate in Skipton and Ripon remains below the national average.
The latest figures put the local claimant rate at 1.7% of the working-age population, compared with 3.9% across the UK.
The figures also show that 130 claimants were aged between 18 and 24.
That is five fewer than the previous month and unchanged compared with July last year.
Sir Julian said the overall increase was a cause for concern despite the constituency's relatively low claimant rate.
He 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.”
The MP said he was particularly concerned about young people entering the workforce.
“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,”.
The claimant count includes people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, as well as Universal Credit claimants who are required to seek work.
The figures are not the same as the official unemployment statistics, but provide an indication of the number of people receiving unemployment-related benefits at constituency level.
While the claimant rate in Skipton and Ripon remains considerably below the UK average, the latest figures show the number of claimants has risen over the past year.
The figures are likely to add to ongoing discussions around employment opportunities, apprenticeships and support for young people looking to enter the workforce across the constituency.
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