THE number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in York has fallen to its lowest level since before the recession started.

New unemployment figures show there were 1,931 claimants last month, a decrease of 191 from March and of 967 since April last year.

The claimant count represents just 1.4 per cent of the working population, which contrasts with a regional average of 3.6 per cent and a national average of 2.7 per cent. There has also been a fall of 75 in the number young people claiming JSA .

York council leader James Alexander said the figures were at their lowest levels since pre-recession levels in early 2008.

"It has been a key focus of the council to work to ensure York bounces back from the recession with unemployment levels less than when it started and I am pleased to say we are back," he said.

"Today’s figures are testament to the partnership working in the city to help secure jobs and growth - we are now outperforming the regional and national position."

The number of claimants in North Yorkshire was also sharply down, from 6,246 in March to 5,488 last month, or 1.5 per cent of those eligible to claim.

In East Riding of Yorkshire, the number claiming JSA fell from 4,851 in March to 4,514, or 2.2 per cent of those eligible.

The number fell in Ryedale from 504 to 399, or 1.3 per cent, while in Selby, the number reduced from 1,123 to 1,039 or 1.9 per cent of those eligible.