Unemployment levels have dropped slightly in Bradford, but youth unemployment is up, according to new figures.

And the number of people out of work still remains at a “scandalous” level, according to Bradford Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Cartwright, the chamber’s policy executive, said: “Any reduction in unemployment figures is welcome.

“One person not developing themselves and contributing to our future is a waste, but high volumes of inactivity like this is scandalous.

“A reduction like this at a time when recruitment in many firms is limited is therefore good news.”

The number of jobless people in the district fell slightly last month, from 19,762 in September to 19,478 in October.

But the number of people under 25 without a job rose slightly, from 1,105 to 1,125.

Nationwide, unemployment fell to its lowest total for more than a year.

Local MPs cautiously welcomed the drop – but said there was no room for complacency.

Phil Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, said: “Obviously, I’m delighted unemployment has come down. That’s good news for everybody. There’s still a long way to go. Obviously, the economy is still not in great shape so there still may be some ups and downs.”

He said in his constituency, the number of jobless people had fallen by 51. He said: “For those 51 people who were out of a job and are now in work, that’s fantastic news.

“We have just got to keep hoping unemployment figures continue downward.”

David Ward, Lib Dem MP for Bradford East, said: “It’s good news but there’s a long way to go.”

He said he hoped the numbers would fall further in the lead-up to Christmas.

Gerry Sutcliffe, Labour MP for Bradford South, said: “Any fall in unemployment is welcome, but sometimes the reduction is because of people going into part-time work, rather than full-time work.

“I cautiously welcome the reduction but I’m concerned about youth unemployment.”

Kris Hopkins, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, said: “It is certainly good news unemployment has fallen again in Keighley and Ilkley in the last month.

But George Galloway, Respect MP for Bradford West, said the fall in unemployment was negligible.