Regional job figures at high while more South Tynesiders search for work

The latest figures show that 1.2million people are in work across the region, an increase of 51,000 compared to last year.

But the borough is among the areas which has seen an increase in those searching for work, with a total of 3,990 claimants, up 55 on month and 90 over year.

A series of events have been lined up as the Jobcentre works with jobhunters to prepare them for interviews or suggest what they can do with the skills they have or learn new ones to get a job.

Employers including Pinpoint, BT and Newcastle International Airport are among those searching for new workers, while the service is also working with Maersk, a renewable energy firm, about opportunities it is offering in the region.

Steve McCall, Jobcentre Plus manager, said: “We’re talking to seven or eight employers and we will invite people along to get the support they need, to find out what’s right for them and also see if they’re right for the employer as well.

“With the help of our experts we can help people understand what employers are looking for.”

Employment Minister, Damian Hinds, said: “Yet again we have a strong set of figures, with employment continuing to run at a record high and unemployment falling to a 11-year low. “Growth is being fuelled by full-time professional jobs while wages are continuing to perform strongly, which underlines the resilience of the UK labour market.”

The North East Chamber of Commerce has said it is pleased with the regional figures.