Member Article

North East unemployment at lowest rate since March 2008

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have shown a rise in North East employment for between December 2016 and February 2017.

Employment in the North East stands at 1,209,000 or 70.5% - an increase of 10,000 over the quarter and 12,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 74.6% nationally.

North East unemployment stands at 83,000 or 6.4% - a fall of 4,000 over the quarter and 21,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 4.7% nationally.

Paul Carbert, policy adviser, North East England Chamber of Commerce, said: “The figures published this morning are generally positive for the region. Unemployment in the North East is at the lowest level and rate since March 2008, and the number of people in work is near record levels.

“Over the past year, the unemployment rate has fallen further in the North East than any other English region, and the difference between the national unemployment rate and the unemployment rate in the North East has shrunk too.

“With the introduction of the apprenticeship levy this month, we must ensure that the apprenticeship funding system works for businesses in the North East, and that workers are able to access training and upskilling opportunities”.

Richard Baker, North East Local Enterprise Partnership Head of Strategy and Policy, said: “These are positive signs. These latest figures confirm our employment position getting back on track after a difficult final quarter in 2016.

“The statistics also show that 29,000 more people are in full-time work across the North East region, with the number of people in part-time work falling by 10,000 over the same period to the end of last year.

“Importantly, over the last year there has also been a drop in the number of people reporting that they are taking part-time employment because they can’t find a full-time job.

“We recognise that for many people, part-time work is the ideal fit for their lifestyle and circumstances. But to see more people who want full-time work being able to find it is encouraging.”

Richard added: “Economic inactivity remains a stubborn problem for the North East economy affecting our employment rate. We identify this in the Strategic Economic Plan and are working hard to tackle it with our partners by giving people the skills and confidence they need to enter or re-enter the jobs market.”

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