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18
Feb
Unemployment in Harrogate and Knaresborough shows sharp increase
Unemployment has risen sharply in Harrogate and Knaresborough over the last year but fallen in Skipton and Ripon, according to the latest government figures.
The figures showed the number of benefits claimants in Harrogate and Knaresborough went up by 9.3% from 1,080 to 1,180 between January 2025 and January 2026.
Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said increases in employer National Insurance contributions, "sky high business rates, and rising staffing costs" were "forcing employers to make difficult choices".
Mr Gordon added: "The government must acknowledge the cumulative impact their policies are having on employers and the economy."
The UK unemployment rate hit a five-year high when the latest figures were announced yesterday.
Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden said at the time:
"Today's figures show there are 381,000 more people in work since the start of 2025, but we know there is more to do to get people into jobs."
Ripon figures
Unemployment in Skipton and Ripon decreased by 7.9% from 1,015 to 935 between January 2025 and January 2026.
Sir Julian Smith, the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, said although the year-on-year figure was down, it had increased by 15 month-on-month.
He said:
Labour’s jobs tax and its Workers’ Rights Bill are making it harder and more expensive for businesses to hire, especially small businesses.
The unemployment figure for Wetherby and Easingwold increased by 2.7% from 730 to 750.
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