The number of people in dole queues across Bradford has fallen by more than 500 in a month.

Figures published today show there are now 15,137 people claiming job seekers allowance (JSA) – down from 15,659 the previous month.

It means 4.9 per cent of the working- age population in Bradford is claiming the benefit compared to 4.6 per cent across Yorkshire and Humber and 3.9 per cent in Great Britain.

A breakdown of the Office for National Statistics figures shows 9,760 people had been claiming the benefit for less than six months. Of those 2,045 have claimed for more than a year.

Councillor Dave Green, executive member for regeneration on Labour-led Bradford Council, said: “I am delighted that there has been a small drop in unemployment which is now just below five per cent.

“I think it proves that the help put in place by the public and private sector to protect and create jobs worked and was a very good thing.

“What I am concerned about is now we have a situation where the programmes in place to support people into jobs are being cut and I fear this small piece of good news of a reduction will not continue if we are not supporting the mechanisms to help create and support jobs.”

Nationally, the number of people claiming JSA fell in May by 30,900 to 1.48 million, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Unemployment rose by 23,000 to 2.47 million during the three months to April. At the same time, the number of people in employment increased by 5,000 to 28.9 million.

The Government says the single Work Programme will offer support to people on a range of benefits, including Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefits and Employment and Support Allowance.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: “These figures underline why it was so important to stop the jobs tax planned by the previous Government, and why we need to create real incentives for businesses to grow and create job opportunities.”