KEIGHLEY'S monthly jobless total has fallen slightly.

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that last month there were 1,040 people claiming unemployment benefits in the Parliamentary constituency, which includes Ilkley – down by five compared to July.

The total is 115 down on a year ago and represents a drop of 52 per cent over the past five years.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said: "We have gone through a period of relative economic uncertainty following the country's decision to leave the European Union, but there are growing signs that business confidence is returning.

"I am confident that the local claimant trend will continue downwards, with many employers having told me over the summer of their intention to recruit more staff."

Across the Bradford district, the number of claimants rose slightly last month, but the overall rate remains the same as it has for seven of the eight months of this year so far.

The claimants total last month was 9,355, up 95 compared to July, equating to 2.8 per cent of the district's population aged between 16 and 64.

That rate has remained constant since January, aside from March when the figure rose to 2.9 per cent.

Last month, the average percentage of claimants for Yorkshire and the Humber stood at 2.2 per cent, above the UK average of 1.8 per cent.

The data includes people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit benefits.

In the Shipley constituency, which includes Cullingworth and Denholme, the number of claimants rose from 875 to 915 but the rate remained at 1.5 per cent.

Tracy Othen – of Jobcentre Plus – said when the figures for the district were considered on an annual basis, they were still exhibiting a downward trend, with the overall figure for August down six per cent compared to the same month last year.

She said: "Progress is still being made. The figures for all the Bradford-district constituencies are going down year-on-year.

"Schemes such as Universal Credit are working, with many people working part-time but still claiming benefits as they look to move to full-time jobs.

"We are also still working in partnership with the Skills House and various other employers and agencies, and are now looking at working up opportunities for the Christmas season."

South Craven MP Julian Smith said that across his constituency, the number of claimants had fallen by 667 since 2010. Last month's total was 364.

He added that record numbers of people were in employment across the UK and there were 144,861 more people in work in Yorkshire and the Humber than six years ago.

"The figures show that employment is growing across all the regions and nations of the United Kingdom," said Mr Smith.

"We know that there are fewer children living in workless households too, which underlines the Government's efforts to help people move into employment and to build a Britain that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

"But there is more to do and we will continue to work hard to help even more people benefit from the opportunities in our economy."