Alex Cann

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

The Script

Scars Align

Listen Live Podcasts

Skipton MP responds to recent claimant figures

Wednesday, 18 February 2026 09:04

New figures released by the Office for National Statistics show the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in the Skipton and Ripon constituency.

According to the latest data, 935 people were claiming unemployment-related benefits in January 2026.

This represents 1.7 per cent of the working-age population aged 16 to 64 in the constituency, compared with a UK-wide claimant rate of 3.8 per cent.

The figures indicate an increase of 15 claimants compared with the previous month.

However, the total is 85 lower than at the same time last year.

Among young people aged 18 to 24, 155 were claiming unemployment-related benefits in January.

This figure is unchanged from the previous month and is 10 lower than a year earlier.

Responding to the figures, Julian Smith said:

“The latest figures show a month-on-month rise in claimants in Skipton and Ripon and nationally, the ONS says unemployment is now 5.2 per cent in the three months to December.

"I will keep pressing the Government to back local employers, protect jobs, and get more people into work.”

The ONS claimant count includes people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, as well as people claiming Universal Credit who are required to look for work.

More from Local news

Motorcyclist dies following collision on A629 near Skipton

A 65-year-old motorcyclist has died following a collision on the A629 Keighley Road at Low Bradley.
Louis Theroux makes special visit to Martin House children's hospice

Filmmaker and broadcaster Louis Theroux has paid a special visit to Martin House children’s hospice, spending time with children and families supported by the charity.
Skipton football matches raise £2,100 for Manorlands Hospice

Two charity football matches organised by Skipton Together FC have raised £2,100 for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.
Stump Cross Caverns named finalist in family business awards

Stump Cross Caverns has been named a finalist in the Yorkshire, Humberside and North East Family Business Awards 2026.
Keighley Healthy Living celebrates 25 years of growth

Local charity Keighley Healthy Living celebrated 25 years since they began, at a special event on 30th September.
Dunelm Keighley partner with Airedale Hospital for Christmas appeal

A Christmas appeal has been launched to make sure every patient spending Christmas at Airedale Hospital receives a gift.
Popular Big Skipton Quiz returns to raise funds for children’s charity

One of Skipton’s most popular charity quiz nights is returning next month to raise money for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes to 'escalate' over half term

Strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport are set to escalate, with further walkouts planned over the October half-term period.
Yorkshire Water sewer capacity threatens new homes and funding, says councillor

A lack of capacity in Yorkshire Water’s sewerage network could prevent new homes being occupied in parts of North Yorkshire and delay millions of pounds in funding for local services, councillors have warned.
Hellifield businessman raises over £1,400 with 50-mile challenge

A Hellifield businessman has raised more than £1,400 for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity after completing a 50-mile run across the Lake District.
Growing pressure on North Yorkshire farmers, reports warn

North Yorkshire farmers are facing mounting pressure after warnings of falling food production and declining confidence.
Elsworth at The Mill named finalist in prestigious Yorkshire food awards

Elsworth at the Mill has been shortlisted for the Best Yorkshire Dining Experience award, following success at the awards last year.
Cracoe farming content creator set to be part of Yorkshire Farming Conference

Cracoe farming content creator, Tom Carlisle, is set be part The Yorkshire Farming Conference when it returns in January following its successful debut earlier this year.
Skipton Business Awards raises more than £1,600 for cancer charity

More than £1,600 has been raised for Cancer Support Yorkshire at this year's Skipton Business Awards.
Scarborough’s Alpamare waterpark set to be sold with 99-year car park lease

Scarborough's Alpamare waterpark is set to be sold alongside a 99-year peppercorn lease of the adjoining car park.
Martin House opens new memorial garden for bereaved families

Bereaved families supported by Martin House Children’s Hospice were joined by Chris Packham this week as they opened a new garden in memory of children and young people who have died.
More than £80,000 raised at Sue Ryder Starlight Hike

More than 800 people have helped raise over £80,000 for Sue Ryder by taking part in the charity’s Starlight Hike in the Worth Valley.
Mayor joins India trade mission as leaders target £170m boost for Yorkshire

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire wants to secure a share of a potential £170 million annual economic boost for Yorkshire and the Humber on a visit to India.
Terrifying Halloween Scare Train returning to Keighley railway

A terrifying Halloween train experience is returning to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway later this month.
North Yorkshire Police loses almost 250,000 hours to sickness amid absence concerns

Almost 250,000 working hours were lost to sickness at North Yorkshire Police last year amid concerns over comparatively high levels of long-term absence.