8:53am Thursday 18th February 2010
UNEMPLOYMENT in our region is at its highest since 1997, new figures have shown.
Statistics revealed by the Department of Work and Pensions yesterday showed the number of people on Jobseekers’ Allowance in York increased by 236 in January to 4,094 (3.2 per cent) – its highest level since April 1997.
In North Yorkshire, the figure rose by 747 to 11,006 (3.1 per cent), the highest since January 1997.
Ryedale and the East Riding of Yorkshire also hit their highest level since January 1997. Ryedale saw an increase last month of 63, to 873 (2.8 per cent), while East Riding saw a rise of 414 to 7,477 (3.8 per cent).
Selby District had an increase of 140, taking the total to 1,771 (3.5 per cent) – the highest since last April.
City of York Council leader Andrew Waller said the city’s figures experienced a “strong seasonal influence” and said this month’s rise was lower than that in January 2009.
He said: “It does show that the city must make full use of opportunities like the Terry’s development if it wants to see a successful economy.”
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