West Yorkshire has seen a stark increase in unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic and there are now more than 106,000 out-of-work benefits claimants in the region.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the number of claimants in West Yorkshire rose by 22 per cent in May, to a total of 106,700.
Across the country, the number of jobless claimants rose by 512,500. That's a 29 per cent increase.
Government figures also show that 256,300 workers in West Yorkshire have been furloughed during the pandemic.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is concerned about the increase and it is now looking to provide training and support to people and businesses who have been hit hard by the pandemic.
It has also set up the West Yorkshire Economic Recovery Board, which will focus on getting people back into work and reviving the local economy, as the UK government eases the lockdown.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, chair of the authority, said: “These figures show the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on families, livelihoods and businesses, and the challenge we face as we begin to rebuild our economy.
"Developing a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy is at the centre of our recovery plans.
“This starts with making sure people can find the support they need to access skills and training to rebuild their future and livelihoods.
"Our historic West Yorkshire devolution deal will bring £1.8 billion-plus in funding under local control, allowing us to invest in skills and training, which will be vital to support our economic recovery from Covid-19."
Cllr Shabir Pandor, chair of the Inclusive Growth and Public Policy Panel, said: “As we look to recover from the pandemic, it will be vital that we focus on rebuilding an inclusive and sustainable economy that works for everyone.
“With over 100,000 jobless claimants in West Yorkshire, it is now more important than ever that we focus on inclusive growth and invest in skills and training that is accessible to all to ensure everyone in our region has the opportunity to benefit from an inclusive and sustainable economy.”
According to the ONS, the unemployment rate in West Yorkshire has increased from from 3.9 per cent to 7.3 per cent, compared to the national unemployment rate of 6.5 per cent.
