UNEMPLOYMENT across Bradford has fallen for three months in a row to reach levels last seen in May 2020.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics indicates that there were 29,850 people across the district claiming unemployment benefits last month.

This compares to a high of 32,190 in March - with a fall of 7.3 per cent. The number is also a fall of 2.1 per cent on May this year.

The continued drop appears to coincide with lockdown restrictions easing, and industries opening back up again.

It also shows that the claimant count has dropped again, to 9.0 - for the first time in just over a year.

Angela Mcvay, of the Department for Work and Pensions in Bradford, said it was a positive picture for Bradford.

"In particular the number of young people has reduced which has been supported through the Kickstart scheme providing people on Universal Credit with a six month paid placement. We have over 500 opportunities available across Bradford in a range of sectors and employers are coming into our Jobcentres daily talking to young people and offering placements. We are also working with SkillsHouse to extend the Kickstart programme to offer a full range of opportunities across various Bradford Local Authority departments.

She added: "We have recently launched and are taking referrals to a new Youth Hub based in Bradford College called The Vibe. This uses a partnership approach to offering further support, provision and tackling barriers to employment. The Hub has just launched an 8 hour a week programme to support young people into work covering maths/English/employability but will be tailored to meet individual needs.

"A continuing part of our Plan for Jobs and to support the hospitality sector as lockdown restrictions ease we have developed a number of sector based work academy programmes for all ages groups. Participants not only get training and a guaranteed interview but also qualifications such as Food Safety."