THE number of people claiming out-of-work benefits in Ryedale is down on last year.

According to new figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), there are 41 fewer claimants than this time last year, equating to a 15 per cent drop.

Among young people aged 18-24, this decrease is 26 people, which is a 33 per cent drop.

The figures are based on both those claiming jobseeker's allowance and those claiming Universal Credit while unemployed.

Universal Credit was introduced to Ryedale in February this year. This new system replaced a range of existing benefits, including jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance, income support, working tax credits, child tax credits and housing benefits.

However, it is still being phased in, so currently two systems are being used, dependant on the circumstances of the claimant.

Nationally, the claimant count has fallen nearly 140,000 over the past year, and is down to 795,500. There is also a country-wide rise in the employment rate - the percentage of economically active people in work - to 73.7 per cent, with the female employment rate reaching 69 per cent.

According to the DWP, there is "some evidence of increases in the manufacturing and service sector" in Ryedale, with several large employers recruiting in the run up to Christmas.

A spokesman for the DWP said: "The vast majority of these employers recruit online, and for those without digital skills this can be a daunting task.

"Working with our training partners, we can identify digital skills needs and arrange for tailored training to meet these needs, ranging from the very basic IT courses, through to the European computer driving licence. We work with a range of training partners and have a suite of computers in the Jobcentre that are free for jobseekers to use.

"We also have free WiFi in the Jobcentre, if jobseekers wish to bring in their own tablets, smartphones or laptops to look for work."