Member Article

Latest ONS figures show healthy rise in North East employment

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have revealed a strong rise in North East employment for the period February to April 2017.

Employment in the region stands at 1,222,000 or 72.2% - an increase of 21,000 over the quarter and 26,000 over the year. - this compares to a rate of 74.8% nationally.

In turn, North East unemployment stands at 70,000 or 5.4% - a fall of 18,000 over the quarter and 25,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 4.6% nationally.

Jonathan Walker, head of policy and campaigns, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “These figures build on the good news we saw last month and confirm the remarkable improvements we have seen in our labour market in recent months.

“Significant increases in employment and falls in unemployment demonstrate the opportunities available in the North East as we continue to progress faster than many other parts of the UK.

“Exceptional changes in data such as this can sometimes prove to be a blip, but the long term trends are clearly moving in the right direction.

“With the right support from the new Government, we believe we can build on our reputation as a working North East.”