Thousands of people in Kirklees who are claiming incapacity benefits are in fact fit to work, according to official figures.

Government statistics reveal 28.8 per cent of incapacity benefits claimants in the area could actually be in employment.

Bradford has a higher proportion, at 31.4 per cent, while Calderdale’s rate is 26.9 per cent.

Wakefield and Leeds, meanwhile, stand at just 24.2 per cent and 25.1 per cent respectively.

Hartlepool fares worst for the North of England, with 31.7 per cent of those on incapacity benefits being told they are fit for work.

Wolverhampton, in the Midlands, has an even higher figure, at 34.4 per cent.

The Governement is replacing various incapacity benefits with the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Everyone on these benefits has to go through a Work Capacity Assessment, which is carried out by DWP or sub-contractor Atos, to decide whether or not they can claim.

All statistics are for October 2010 to March 2013.