The number of people claiming benefits has increased in all three local parliamentary constituencies, figures released today (May 19) reveal.

According to Office for National Statistics data, 1,255 people are out of work in Harrogate and Knaresborough, which is 80 more than the same period last year.

The figure represents 2% of the working population, well below the national average of 5%.

In Skipton and Ripon, the number of claimants increased by 45 to hit 1,000, which is 1.8% of the working population while the claimant figure in Wetherby and Easingwold rose by 80 to 795, or 1.5% of the working population.

The figure is made up of people on Jobseekers Allowance and Universal Credit claimants who are required to seek work.

The UK unemployment rate suffered a surprising increase from 4.9% to 5% in the three months to March.

This was attributed to the first effects of the Middle East war on the jobs market.

In another blow to the jobs market, the number of job vacancies fell to its lowest level in five years.

Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said:

"Lower-paying sectors such as hospitality and retail have seen some of the largest falls in vacancies and payroll numbers, both in recent months and over the last year.”