A HOMEBUILDER aims to create new jobs as confidence returns to the housing market.

Persimmon Homes says it wants quantity surveyors, site managers, bricklayers, joiners and groundworkers for sites across the region.

The York-based firm is working on 23 sites in the North-East, including developments in Gateshead, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, with more planned for 2014.

Bosses say higher levels of mortgage lending, growing consumer confidence, and the Government's Help to Buy scheme, have all helped deliver increased sales.

It recently reported a 21 per cent increase in full-year revenues.

John Eynon, Persimmon Homes North-East managing director, said: “Due to the improving housing market and the start of a number of new developments, we are looking to appoint experienced personnel.

“We need quantity surveyors, an accounts clerk, sub-contractor payments clerk, trainee sales administrator, site managers, bricklayers, joiners and groundworkers.

“Nationally there is a shortage of construction workers, but we have a great team here and are looking for talented people to join us.

“There are some very exciting months ahead for us in this region.

“We have always believed in investing in skills and we know the North-East is full of people that pride themselves on doing an excellent job and we want to hear from them.”