RYEDALE Parliamentary candidate Kevin Hollinrake has welcomed new figures showing a fall of 48 per cent in the number of people in the area claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance since 2010.

Government figures show that 533 fewer people in the Thirsk and Malton constituency, where Mr Hollinrake is the Conservative party’s prospective parliamentary candidate, are claiming JSA.

On a visit to Pickering’s Steam and Moorland Centre, Mr Hollinrake said: “It’s great news that more than 500 fewer people in this area are relying on Jobseekers Allowance to get by.

“This is happening because we’ve been backing businesses to create more jobs with lower taxes and better infrastructure, and fixing the welfare system to make sure work pays. We’ve been seeing this work locally with new jobs at places like Steam and Moorland in Pickering.

“This means a better future for local families, as more people have the financial security and self-respect that comes with a good job and a regular pay packet.”