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.”

Skipton charity refocuses its mission as demand for children’s mental health support surges
Airedale emergency department 'exceptionally busy' with flu cases rising
Skipton Brass Band Conductor shines on Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small
Local dads raise £11,892 to support Airedale Hospital and Community Charity
Yorkshire Water finally lifts five-month hosepipe ban
Don't blame wildlife for £11.7m Kex Gill overspend, say Green councillors
New school observatory opens to inspire next generation of astronomers
Brave dippers raise more than £5,000 at Sue Ryder’s first Big Dip Dales
Tourism tax would be a 'hammer blow' for hospitality, says Skipton MP
New train timetables on Airedale Line from Sunday
An evening with Inbetweeners comedian in Silsden
Skipton named happiest place to live in the UK
Funding available to help rural community groups grow stronger and work smarter
Come say hello to Santa in Skipton
Friends of the Dales Launches ‘Eyes on the Skies’ Campaign to Stop Raptor Persecution
Sue Ryder's Christmas Treecycling scheme launched
Skipton MP praises 'tremendous progress' of £82.5million Kex Gill project
Skipton to feature in new North Yorkshire Calendar
Ermysted's to adopt new Year 7 Admissions Test
Accounting firm in Silsden celebrates 7 years in business


