Jobless rates rise to highest in country

THE unemployment rate in the North East has risen to 5.5%, the highest in the UK.

New figures released by the Office for National Statistics yesterday showed that over the same period from August to October, the number of people in work had also increased.

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, this is explained by a rising population and fewer people classed as economically inactive, which includes those on long-term sick leave, students, and those who have given up looking for a job.

The North East unemployment total stands at 71,000, an increase of 1.1% or 16,000 over the quarter but a fall of 6,000 over the year. The North East’s rate of 5.5% compares to the national figure of 4.1%.

Employment in the North East stands at 1,212,000 or 71.4% – an increase of 17,000 over the quarter, but a fall of 18,000 over the year. This compares to a rate of 75.7% nationally.

Paul Carbert, Policy Adviser, North East England Chamber of Commerce, said: “Unemployment has fallen over the past year, and remains low when compared to historical records. In total, there are over 40,000 fewer people out of work in the North East compared to three years ago.

“Despite this positive news, the figures released this morning show that North East now has the highest rate of unemployment and the lowest rate of employment of any English region.”

And Mr Carbert also raised the issue of expansion plans hindered by difficulties recruiting skilled staff.