Julian Smith MP has welcomed the ground-breaking figures released this week showing that there are 139,000 more people in work across Yorkshire and the Humber and over 2.3 million more people across the United Kingdom back in work having the security of a regular pay packet than in 2010.
In Skipton and Ripon, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit while not in employment has fallen by 795 – a 68 per cent drop – since 2010.
The record figures also show that wages are continuing to grow, with average total pay up 2.2 per cent, while annual inflation remains close to flat. With employment at a record 74.1 per cent, and the level of long-term unemployed at the lowest level since early 2009, the figures show that the number of people in work remains at record levels.
Julian Smith MP said:
‘In the face of continuing turbulence in the world economy, Britain is in a position of strength with a record employment rate and wages continuing to go up.
‘Today’s figures show a record number of people in work and unemployment and youth unemployment reaching near 10-year lows. The number of people locally relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit while out of work has fallen by 795 since 2010, a 68 per cent drop.
‘Our long-term plan is delivering more economic security and providing opportunities that give families in Skipton and Ripon the best chance in life. Each new job means that worker and their family have the security of a pay packet. With Britain facing a dangerous cocktail of risks, it’s more important than ever to stick with the Government’s plan to fix our finances as we deliver on our manifesto commitments and deliver security for families in Skipton and Ripon.’
