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Upturn in North East employment levels

Unemployment levels in the North East have fallen faster than the UK average, according to recent figures.

While employment levels have risen by 19,000 to 1,136,000, unemployment still stands at 144,000 or 11.2% - much higher than the national average of 8.3%.

The claimant count in the region is also 7.6%, in comparison to 4% nationally.

Commenting on the news, North East Chamber of Commerce Director of Policy Ross Smith praised the regions efforts in increasing employment, but also expressed disappointment that the number of unemployed individuals had not fallen for 3 months.

He said: “We have had some excellent news from within our manufacturing and engineering sector over the last fortnight with Nissan, Calsonic Kansei, Newcastle Offshore Group and SSI all embarking on expansion programmes and adding to the general positivity within the business community.

“While we’re still to experience the full impact of the public sector cutbacks these announcements along with the region’s continued unparalleled export performance suggests the North East has plenty to be optimistic about.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .