Keighley’s jobless total fell again last month.

Latest figures show there were 1,913 unemployed claimants in the constituency, down 105 on the previous month and 476 lower than a year ago.

“This is very good news – particularly in the run-up to Christmas,” said Keighley MP Kris Hopkins.

“I am particularly pleased youth unemployment in the constituency has fallen by 0.5 per cent in the past month, and we must continue to make every effort to ensure the trend continues downwards.

“Nationally, the number of young people not in education, employment or training is at its lowest level for a decade, which underlines that tackling youth unemployment rightly remains one of the government’s top priorities – and the policies are working.

“Whilst there can never be any room for complacency, these figures stand as yet more evidence confidence continues to build in the economy – locally and nationally – with employers now recruiting in greater numbers than for some considerable time.”