NORTH-EAST housebuilder Barratt Developments has announced that it will create 600 jobs in 2015 with the construction of 628 new homes in the region.

This is a 40 per cent increase in new jobs, reflecting both the upswing in the regional economy and the health of the local housing market, the firm said. 

The new roles will be across all disciplines from skilled construction roles such as bricklayers, electricians and landscapers through to head office support positions.

In 2014, the North East Division employed 1,600 people and the division built 457 properties, 89 per cent of which were constructed on previously developed brownfield land.

Over the following 12 months, the housebuilder expects to create an extra 600 jobs; meaning there will be 2,200 people employed by Barratt Developments in the North-East.

The business, which encompasses Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, has a number of high profile developments set to open in the coming months, including Mount Oswald in Durham, The Gateway in Gateshead and La Sagesse in Jesmond, Newcastle.

Barratt Homes was founded by North-East property tycoon Sir Lawrie Barratt. 

Mike Roberts, the firm's managing director, said: "Barratt Developments was born in the North-East so it is great to be able to give back to the local economy with this increase in jobs and investment.

"We think that demand for housing will continue to grow, particularly as the regional economy begins to get back to full strength, and we will continue to invest in local people to help us provide to high quality homes in the area."