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.”
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