North East employment levels hit record high

There were 1,205,000 in work in the region in the three months to the end of May, a rise of 36,000 over the year.

The number of people classed as unemployed was 96,000, down 2,000 over the last 12 months, and 386,000 were classed as economically inactive, a drop of 37,000.

Employment Minister Damian Hinds said: "We’re determined to make Britain a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. This includes helping more people of all ages and abilities to get into, and stay in work.

"There’s great news in the North East where the employment rate is at a record high of 70.9% with over 1.2 million people in work.

"Clearly, good progress has been made, and I'm encouraged to take forward the agenda to create an even more resilient labour market."