SKIPTON’S MP says Government policies have made it harder and more expensive for small businesses to take on people.
Sir Julian Smith was responding to new figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in Skipton and Ripon.
The latest data shows that in January 2026 there were 935 people claiming unemployment-related benefits in the constituency. This represents 1.7 per cent of the working-age population aged 16 to 64, compared to a UK claimant rate of 3.8 per cent.
Compared with last month, the number of claimants in Skipton and Ripon rose by 15. Compared with the same period last year, the number fell by 85.
The figures also show that 155 young people aged 18 to 24 were claiming unemployment-related benefits in January. This number is unchanged compared with last month, and is down by 10 compared with last year.
Sir Julian said, “The latest figures show a month on month rise in claimants in Skipton and Ripon and nationally the ONS says unemployment was 5.2 per cent in the three months to December.
“Labour’s jobs tax and its Workers’ Rights Bill are making it harder and more expensive for businesses to hire, especially small businesses. 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, and people claiming Universal Credit who are required to look for work.
Read more on Craven Herald and Pioneer
