Jonathan Walker, Head of Policy and Campaigns, NECC said: “We are encouraged by these numbers as they show our employment level has increased by 4,000 over the last quarter. This reflects the findings of our recent Quarterly Economic Survey results which reported just under a third of companies expected to increase their workforce over the next three months.
Unemployment levels remain relatively static, but the rate is still far too high compared to the national figure.
As part of our desire to drive a working North East, we are committed to bringing business and education together to create career opportunities for young people, which should continue to push our employment figures in the right direction.”