The number of people on out-of-work benefits in the Harrogate district has fallen by over 30% since the height of the third covid lockdown in February, latest government figures show.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 2,720 people were claiming out-of-work benefits as of August 3 — down from 3,625 on February 11.

Currently, 3.4% of the local population are claiming the benefits, which is below the UK average of 5.4%. Financial support for those out of work includes Universal Credit and Job Seekers’ Allowance.

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Commenting on the latest figures on his website Community News, Conservative MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough Andrew Jones said predictions of “soaring unemployment” following the end of the furlough scheme have not come true.

Mr Jones said:

“The worst-case predictions of soaring unemployment as the furlough scheme was rolled back have not materialised.  At the end of September, ten weeks after most restrictions have been lifted, the furlough scheme ends completely.

“Although the Office for National Statistics say that there is no sign of redundancies starting to pick up ahead of this, we should remain cautious.”

“It is clear though that our local economy has bounced back strongly and empty shop rates in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge are lower than pre-pandemic.“

The number of people on out-of-work benefits in the Harrogate district fell by over 350 in May, a decrease of 10% on the previous month.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 3,185 people were claiming out-of-work benefits as of May 13 — down from 3,545 in April.

This accounts for 3.4% of the local population, which is below the UK average of 6%.

From May 17, indoor hospitality venues such as bars and restaurants were able to reopen with social distancing measures in place.

David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Any drop in the number of people unemployed has to be welcomed. However, I do fear that when furlough comes to an end the figure could well creep up again.”

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Financial support for those out of work includes Universal Credit and Job Seekers’ Allowance.

Figures in the district have remained stable throughout the pandemic, which suggests the government furlough scheme has protected many staff from redundancy.