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Ripon MP calls for action following rise in unemployment benefit claims

Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 12:40

Sir Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.

Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has called for Government action after a rise in the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits across his constituency.

Figures for September 2026 show 990 claimants in Skipton and Ripon, an increase of 85 compared with a year earlier and 25 more than the previous month.

The total includes 155 people aged 18 to 24, up 10 on the month and five on the year.

The figures cover the wider Skipton and Ripon constituency.

Sir Julian said:

“The continued rise in both the overall claimant count and the number of young people claiming unemployment-related benefits should ring alarm bells for Ministers ahead of the Budget.

“Businesses across Skipton and Ripon tell me they want to grow and create jobs, but many are facing mounting costs and uncertainty. The Government must use the Budget to give local businesses the breathing space they need to hire, invest and expand.

“Young people in particular need opportunities, not obstacles. We should be doing everything possible to help them gain the skills, training and experience needed to build successful careers.”

Despite the rise in claimant numbers, the constituency’s claimant rate remained below the national average.

In September, it stood at 1.7% of the working-age population, compared with a UK average of 3.9%.

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