Following the release of regional emploment statistics today, Yvette Cooper MP, Labour's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and MP for Pontefract and Castleford said:

"The figures show more people in work in Yorkshire and the Humber and a lot more young people taking up our offer of full-time education and training, which is welcome news.

"The fact that unemployment is significantly lower than everyone forecast at the beginning of the year shows the support for the economy is making a real difference.

"But we know things are still tough for a lot of families across the region, and unemployment is expected to increase further next year.

"That's why we're determined to do more, with an extra 1,750 youth jobs here in Yorkshire, more apprenticeships and education places so we can guarantee no young person gets stuck in long-term unemployment."