YORK has been revealed as the biggest Yorkshire winner for creating private sector jobs since 2010, according to official research.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the city has seen the number of people with jobs in this sector rise by almost 13,500 in the space of two years, an increase of about 20 per cent.

Selby has also benefited, with almost 10,000 more people employed in the private sector in mid-2012 compared with two years previously, representing a 35 per cent increase.

The figures emerged from the ONS’ annual population survey, although the Government said there may be “a margin of uncertainty” surrounding them.

Throughout Yorkshire, the number of people working in the private sector rose by more than 50,000 between mid-2010 and the middle of last year.

City of York Council leader James Alexander said the findings were “brilliant news” for the city and showed “growing confidence” in its economy. He said: “We are rebalancing our economy from the public sector to private.”

The Press’s recently-launched Foundation For Jobs campaign has been backed by The Archbishop of York Dr Sentamu, City of York Council, both of York’s universities and other education leaders.