UNEMPLOYMENT in York has fallen again and is now at its lowest level since October 2008.

Latest jobless statistics show that 2,317 people claimed Jobseeker's Allowance in September, down by 134 on the figure for August and by 740 on the 3,057 claiming in September last year.

The claimant count represents 1.7 per cent of the working population and contrasts to the regional average, which stands at 4.1 per cent and to the national average of 3.2 per cent.

Across North Yorkshire, the number of claimants fell from 6,788 in August to 6,514 last month, which compares with 8,697 in September last year.

In East Riding of Yorkshire, the numbers claiming JSA fell from 5,423 to 5,293 last month, which compares with 6,595 in September last year.

There was a drop of 26 in the Selby district to 1,150 last month, which compares with 1,424 in September last year. In Ryedale, the figure fell by four to 491 last month, which compares with 615 in September last year.

York council leader James Alexander said the city’s low figure was testament to the authority working in partnership with the private sector to grow the economy and increase the number of job opportunities for York residents.

“These are the best figures for five years and outperform the region and national picture,” he said.

"Despite approaching full employment, in work poverty, low wages and the cost of living remains are becoming increasingly important issues for York residents and the council.

"The best way to combat poverty in this city is to get people into well paid work, that is my priority."

The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Andrew Jones, welcomed a fall in his constituency to 839, or 1.6 per cent of those eligible, and 50 fewer than in August.

He said the constituency had experienced a dramatic drop since May 2010 when there were nearly 1,400 people claiming

“These results and the significant reduction in unemployment locally over the last few years are good news for those who have found a job and their families," he said.

“That said, we must continue to ensure that our local economy grows, that people have the skills employers need and that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to be in work or training.”