UNEMPLOYMENT has fallen again in York, with 1,000 fewer people claiming Jobseekers Allowance than a year ago.

There have been similar falls in North Yorkshire, where the number of claimants has dropped by more than 2,500 in a year, and in East Yorkshire, where the number is down by more than 1,500.

York Outer Tory MP Julian Sturdy said he was 'absolutely delighted' by the latest fall, both nationally and in his own seat, which now had one of the lowest jobless rates in the country at only 0.8 per cent.

"The Conservative-led Government’s long-term economic plan is working, not just in London and the South East, but also here in God’s own county and across the UK.," he claimed, while also warning against complacency.

York council's Labour leader James Alexander said it was good to see that the council's investment in the city’s economy, and its partnership working with the private sector, was paying off, as York continued to outperform the country and the region in tackling unemployment.

“However it is important York continues its work to tackle underemployment as well as families relying on part time work or on zero hours contracts," he said.

"It is also hoped a jobs fair which is taking place on September 30 [at York Railway Institute 10am to 3pm] will provide opportunities for those out of work as a number of vacancies will be on offer at the event."

The statistics show there were 1,441 JSA claimants in York in August, 1.1 per cent of those eligible and down by 75 on July's figure. The percentage compares with a national average of 2.3 per cent.

In North Yorkshire, there were 4,125 JSA claimants, which is also 1.1 per cent of those eligible and down from 4,376 in July.

In East Riding of Yorkshire, the number of claimants fell from 3,907 in July to 3,809 in August, or 1.9 per cent of those eligible, while Selby saw a fall from 883 to 837, or 1.6 per cent and Ryedale's figure fell from 331 to 299, or 1.0 per cent.