UNEMPLOYMENT in the district has fallen for the first time this year, according to the latest figures released today.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that there were 9,465 people claiming unemployment benefits across the Bradford district in June.

This is a drop of 1.2 per cent, or 115 people on the month before, and it falls slightly later than in previous years - when the first decrease in the calendar year has occurred between February and April.

The claimant rate remained the same at 2.9 per cent locally, with the regional figure at 2.5 per cent and the 2.2 per cent nationally.

The data from the ONS includes those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit benefits principally for unemployment reasons.

Tracy Othen, partnership manager for Jobcentre Plus in Bradford, said of the local statistics: "This months Labour Market statistics show a positive picture for Bradford district with unemployment figures falling.

"In our Jobcentres we work to support people with finding work that matches their skills, and suits their circumstances as well as increasing their digital skills through work with our partners.

"As part of the support we offer, there will be a third Step into Bradford jobs fair in September where our customers will have the opportunity to meet employers and providers to help them on their journey into employment."

In four out of the district's five consistencies, the number claimants fell. Only Bradford West saw a rise, a 1.4 per cent jump, of 40 people, to reach a total of 2,890 claimants last month.

Meanwhile the highest drops were seen in Keighley and Shipley, where the number people claiming unemployment benefits fell by 2.6 per cent, or 30 and 25 people respectively.

In Bradford East there were a total of 2,580 claimants, a fall of 2.3 per cent or 60 people.

The lowest drop was in Bradford South where the number of people claiming unemployment benefits fell by 1.5 per cent to 1.940, a fall of 30 people.

In contrast, the number of claimants in Yorkshire and Humber rose slightly by 242 people of 0.3 per cent on the previous month to reach 84,727.

Nationally the figure was 898,743, a rise of 7,812 or 0.9 per cent, over the same time period.

Separate figures show that nationally the overall employment rate is 75.7 per cent, a new record high.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate remains at its lowest since 1975. And, since 2010, the majority of employment growth has been in both full-time and permanent roles.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey said: “The employment rate is now at a record high of 75.7%.

"With over 3.3 million more people in work since 2010, this Government has seen on average 1,000 more people in work each and every day.

“Making sure our jobs market works for everyone is at the heart of this Department’s work and the Modern Industrial strategy, and with over 800,000 job vacancies we have a buoyant jobs market with plenty of opportunities available."