October employment statistics
Date published:
The ONS employment figures for October show that gaps between the North East and the rest of the country are still concerning.
Between June and August, the unemployment rate in the North East for those aged 16+ was 0.9% higher than the national average. Similarly, the economic inactivity rate for people aged 16-64 in the North East remained higher than the national average, by 3.8%. The North East’s employment rate for those aged 16-64 was 4.3% lower than the national average.
In the North East, the unemployment rate has improved by 0.8% compared to June-August last year. However, the employment rate is 0.1% lower, and economic inactivity has worsened by 0.8%.
Even compared to last month’s employment statistics, the North East’s economic inactivity rate has worsened by 0.2%. This shows more needs to be done to help people access the job market.
The new government has set out its plan, which includes addressing the NHS backlog and helping people into work. For the government’s growth strategy to succeed, it must be inclusive of those who are struggling to access the labour market.
Notes
Data published by the ONS shows between June and August 2022, the average unemployment rate in the UK for ages 16+ was 3.5%. In the North East this was higher, at 4.4%
The UK’s average employment rate for ages 16-64 was 75.5%. In the North East this was lower, at 71.2%.
The UK’s average economic inactivity rate for ages 16-64 was 21.7%. In the North East this was higher, at 25.5%.