Extra engineering jobs boost for region

Communications giant Openreach is creating 50 new engineering jobs in the North East next year.

The firm say the move will help to connect customers to its new futureproofed ultrafast Full Fibre broadband network and is part of a recruitment drive which is aiming to create 2,500 full-time jobs nationally and an estimated 2,800 positions in its supply chain.

In the North East, there will be roles in Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland.

Openreach chief executive Clive Selley, said: "As a major employer and infrastructure builder, we believe Openreach can play a leading role in helping the UK to build back better and greener.

"Our Full Fibre network build is going faster than ever and we're now looking for thousands more people to build a career with Openreach and help us upgrade broadband connections and continue improving service levels.

"We're also investing in our supply chain, which will support the creation of thousands of jobs based all over the UK.

The announcement comes as the firm hit a record build rate for its Full Fibre broadband programme – which aims to reach 20 million homes and businesses by the mid-tolate 2020s.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "Throughout this crisis I've been clear that our number one economic priority is to protect jobs so I'm delighted to welcome this announcement of 5,000 new skilled roles.”

To find out more about the jobs, visit www.openreach.co.uk/te