North East Employment Growth Slows

The latest employment statistics show the North East employment rate is down on the previous year and North East England Chamber of Commerce has urged the Government to help businesses create a skilled workforce.

Paul Carbert, Chamber policy adviser said: “We have called on the Government to provide more flexibility in the apprenticeship system, to allow firms to recruit and train staff with the skills they need. The recent Budget included an announcement of a cut in the training costs for small businesses, but there is more to do to ensure that employment and training opportunities are available to all. Employment growth in the region has slowed compared to the national average.

The number of people unemployed in the North East has fallen over the past year, and remains near the record low. Despite the positive news on unemployment, the North East has the lowest rate of employment, and the highest economic inactivity rate of any English region.