UNEMPLOYMENT in the district reached its lowest February total for 12 years, according to latest figures.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that there were 9,090 people claiming unemployment benefits across the Bradford district last month.

This is an increase of 4.5 per cent – or 390 people – on the previous month, but the figure represents a drop of 1.7 per cent, or 160 people, on the same period a year ago.

In addition, the last time the unemployment figures for the district dropped below 9,000 in February was in 2006.

The claimant count rate rose slightly to 2.7 per cent across the district, compared to the regional figure of 2.4 per cent and 2.1 per cent nationally, both of which increased marginally on the previous month.

The data from the ONS includes those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit benefits principally for unemployment reasons.

Tracy Othen, for JobCentre Plus, said: “Again the overall figures show an increase in employment against the same time last year.

“In our jobcentres we work to support people with finding work that matches their skills, and suits their circumstances.”

She added that a Step Into Work event held earlier this month had been successful at bringing jobseekers together with employers and training providers.

Keighley parliamentary constituency, which includes Ilkley, last month saw a 4.7 per cent increase in claimants – equivalent to 50 people – to hit 1,105.

There were also increased claimants in Shipley, which includes Cullingworth and Denholme. There was a 3.4 per cent rise, to 910 – 30 up on the previous month.

But Shipley MP Philip Davies said the total in the constituency had fallen year-on-year, from 980, and its youth unemployment levels were the lowest in the district. The number of claimants aged 18 to 21 is 115, equating to 3.3 per cent. The regional average is 3.5 per cent.

"Any reduction in unemployment figures is welcome but we cannot become complacent as there is always more to do," said Mr Davies.

"We need to get people who want to – and can – work, into jobs.

"I will keep fighting to ensure we have good transport links and infrastructure so the district is regenerated and we attract more businesses to the area, which in turn creates more jobs and helps our local economy."