NORTH East leaders have called on the Chancellor to address the growing unemployment situation and extend furlough, ahead of Wednesday s Budget. Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has called on the Chancellor to urgently address the dire situation of growing unemployment in his constituency. Newly released claimant figures from the House of Commons Library shows that there are now 4,510 people claiming unemployment related benefits in Stockton North – an increase of 1,465 compared to the same period in 2020. This amounts to 7.9 per cent of 16 to 64 year olds in the constituency – 1.5 per cent higher than the UK equivalent claimant rate. Of these 975 are aged 18 to 24 – a rise of 340 on January 2020.
Nicky Jolley, managing director of HR2day DARLINGTON businesses have said the relocation of treasury jobs to the town is the best news for the area in recent history . Matthew Wharton, of Wharton Construction, said: “It will be very beneficial for a major government department like the Treasury to base itself in Darlington. I’m sure it will give the decision makers an insight into life outside London and the real-world challenges faced by regions such as ours. “In addition, such a move will not only provide a boost to the local economy, and attract further investment, it will also raise the town’s profile.”