THE latest jobless figures for the North East make grim reading - but with glimmers of hope.

Britain’s rate of unemployment edged higher in the three months to September as the country heads for what is feared will be the longest recession in a century, official figures have shown.

Data published by the ONS shows between July and September 2022, the average unemployment rate in the UK for ages 16+ was 3.6 per cent. In the North East this was higher, at 4.2 per cent.

The UK’s average employment rate for ages 16-64 was 75.5 per cent. In the North East this was lower, at 71.7 per cent.

The UK’s average economic inactivity rate for ages 16-64 was 21.6 per cent. In the North East this was higher, at 25.2 per cent.

Callum George, Policy Adviser at the North East England Chamber of Commerce said: "The ONS employment figures for November show that- whilst rates of economic inactivity are still concerning- gaps between the North East and the UK are closer than previous months.

"In the North East, the unemployment rate has improved by 0.9 per cent compared to April-June 2022. Additionally, the employment rate has improved by 0.3 per cent. However, economic inactivity has worsened by 0.3 per cent.

"With Prime Minister Sunak’s government announcing their new fiscal plan, it is crucial that those who are struggling to access the job market are accounted for.

"This means a commitment to training and education, as well as a focus on helping adults back into work who left the labour market during Covid-19."