Member Article

Latest ONS data shows continued North East employment rise

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have shown a continued increase in North East employment.

For the period April to June, employment in the region has stood at 1,224,000 or 72.5% - an increase of 4,000 over the quarter and 16,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 75.1% nationally.

North East unemployment stands at 78,000 or 6.0% - a slight increase of 1,000 over the quarter, but a fall of 21,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 4.4% nationally.

This data covers the period April 2017 to June 2017. The next release is on 13 September 2017.

Paul Carbert, policy adviser, North East England Chamber of Commerce said: “The figures released this morning provide some good news for the region, continuing the recent trend.

“The number of people in work has increased over the past year, and the unemployment rate decreased by more than in any other region.

“The latest figures show youth unemployment in the North East has also fallen over the past year, and we have seen growing numbers of Chamber members get involved in initiatives that link business and education.”

Entrepreneurs’ Forum Chairman Nigel Mills added: “The continuation of employment growth in the North East, which was one of the highest increases in the UK, shows the increasing strength of our region’s economy.

“Net employment growth, statistically speaking, comes from businesses scaling up, which makes sense in the context of the North East’s positive business population statistics from 2016.

“In order to further boost employment, the business community and politicians at all levels must collaboratively work together to overcome any obstacles for growing businesses.”