NEW figures have revealed that youth unemployment has nearly halved over the last decade across Tynedale and Ponteland. 

Statistics from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that in January 2014, there were 250 claimants of unemployment-related benefits within the Hexham Constituency, aged 18-24. 

The latest monthly figures released on February 13 show this has been cut by nearly 50 per cent, over the last decade, with 130 claimants of unemployment-related benefits aged between 18-24 as of January this year. 

Nationally, there are 4.1 million more people in work than in 2010, with unemployment across the country falling by more than a half in the same period, from 8 per cent to 3.8 per cent. 

At the same time, wages are rising faster than inflation, with regular pay, excluding bonuses, rising by 5.8 per cent between October and December 2023. 

Hexham MP Guy Opperman said: "Following a really tough time with the Covid pandemic and war in Ukraine, the economy is now starting to turn the corner, and people are beginning to feel the benefits. Employment is up, unemployment is down, inflation has been more than halved, and wage growth is strong. 

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“Locally, we have invested huge amounts in young people in Tynedale and Ponteland. Every high school has either been refurbished or rebuilt and 94 per cent of schools are now rated as 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, up from 76 per cent in 2017. As a result, young people are well-equipped to get a high-skilled, well-paid job when they leave school. 

“We have made incredible progress since I was elected in 2010. Thanks to initiatives like my annual Tynedale Jobs Fair, we have provided many high-quality jobs, including over 7,000 apprentices. As a result, youth unemployment has been halved since 2014. 

“I will continue to bang the drum for investment in our local area, so future generations can have the very best possible start when they enter the jobs market.”

Joe Morris, Labour’s candidate for the Hexham constituency, said: “No one can look around and seriously think the Conservatives have seriously improved our economy. We're the only G7 country that hasn't returned to pre-pandemic levels of employment, while families are still being clobbered by the cost-of-living crisis - the price of the average shop has shot up and heating our homes is now a luxury for many.

“As our next MP, I will bring high-quality, high-skilled jobs to our area, working with local schools and colleges to improve vocational education and ensure local businesses can access the skills they need to grow.

"I'll work hand in glove with local businesses to promote good jobs that allow our young people to build their lives here. I'll make sure that this constituency is the best place in the country to start or run a business.