UNEMPLOYMENT in York has fallen to its lowest level in at least eight years - to the delight of politicians from right and left.

The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) fell by 213 to 1,577 in June, or just 1.2 per cent of those eligible to claim - half the national average.

The city has seen a reduction of 974 since June 2013, meaning that number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance has decreased by 38.2 per cent, and there are 300 fewer young people claiming JSA.

The latest figure is lower than at any time since January 2006, when a monthly time-series of statistics, provided by the Office for National Statistics, began.

It means the city is close to hitting one of its targets in its vision of a 'poverty-free York,' launched last year, which was for a 40 per cent fall in three-years.

However, there has also been a rise in the proportion of people in part-time, often low-paid work.

In Selby, the number of JSA claimants fell from 990 in May to 906 in June, or 1.7 per cent of those eligible - the lowest figure since September 2008.

In North Yorkshire, the number fell to 4,606 or 1.2 per cent of those eligible to claim, down from 5,044 or 1.4 per cent of those eligible in May.

In East Riding of Yorkshire, the number fell to 3,966 or 1.9 per cent of those eligible, from 4,216 or 2.1 per cent of those eligible.

City of York Council leader, Labour's James Alexander, said the figures were testament to the partnership working across the city to help secure jobs and growth.

“It has been a key focus of the council to work to ensure York bounces back from the recession with unemployment levels less than when it started and I am pleased to say we are there," he said. However, he stressed there were still issues of in-work poverty exacerbated by cost of living increases in housing, energy and childcare,

The Tory MP for Selby and Ainsty, Nigel Adams, said another large fall in unemployment was a sign that the Government's long term economic plan was working in the district.

"Since the Conservative led government came into office to rescue the economy, the number of people out of work in Selby and Ainsty has fallen by a staggering 45 per cent.