Member Article

North East employment drops slightly amid UK labour market slowdown

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have shown a slight fall in North East employment for the quarter although experts have pointed towards steady progress for the year as a whole.

Employment stands at just over 1,207,000 equating to 70.9%, a decrease of 2,000 over the quarter but an increase of 33,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 74.4% nationally.

North East unemployment stands at 84,000 or 6.5% - a fall of 14,000 over the quarter, and 29,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 4.8% nationally.

Paul Carbert, policy adviser, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “The employment statistics released this morning (14 December 2016) show little change on the previous three months, but steady progress has been made over the past year on increasing employment and reducing unemployment.

“The North East region saw the largest increase in the employment rate over the past year, and the largest fall in the unemployment rate. It is positive news that we end 2016 in a significantly better position than last year.

“There is more work to be done to match up skill levels in the workforce with the needs of employers, and the Chamber will be supporting members in 2017 to upskill and retrain experienced workers and open up opportunities for the unemployed. We need to have a working north east where everyone contributes to our economy.”

Richard Baker, North East LEP Head of Strategy and Policy, said: “Today’s ONS statistics for the North East mirror those of the national economic picture which suggest a slowing down in the UK labour market over the last quarter.

“Whilst the position remains much improved on the position a year ago, employment numbers are currently largely static overall. Unemployment has fallen again slightly, while the numbers of people economically inactive has increased.

“Within the employment figures for the region, one detail is that we are seeing an increase in the number of people in full-time work which is encouraging, with a drop off in the numbers of people in part-time and temporary work.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →