Member Article

Latest ONS figures reveal rise in North East unemployment

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have shown a rise in North East unemployment, although experts are playing down a cause for concern.

Today’s report revealed that employment in the region stands at 1,165,000, or 68.2%, a fall of 18,000 over the quarter and 10,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 73.4% nationally.

North East unemployment stands at 103,000 or 8.1% - a rise of 7,000 over the quarter but a fall of 17,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 5.6% nationally.

Moreover, the claimant count stands at 46,800 or 3.8% in the North East.

However, Jonathan Walker, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the North East Chamber of Commerce, believes the figures should be taken with a pinch of salt.

He said: “The labour figures released today are obviously disappointing and buck the long term trends we’ve seen over the past couple of years. However, there is no need to be overly alarmed.

“The North East is not alone in seeing a rise in unemployment as our figures reflect those for the UK as a whole. There was a similar increase in national unemployment last month and we were aware of the resulting possibility of a slowdown in the labour market, although our members have not reported this.

“NECC members continue to report positive employment figures and our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey confirmed the majority have future recruitment plans.”