THE North-East remains the UK’s jobless hotspot but less people are claiming benefits as confidence returns to the market, employment bosses have said.

Officials at Jobcentre Plus say more companies are looking to recruit as industry difficulties ease.

According to latest Office for National Statistics figures, nearly 1.2 million people are in work across the region, with many taking advantage of businesses’ need for staff, particularly apprentices.

However, the North-East continues to have the highest unemployment rate in the country - 7.9 per cent - with its ratio of employed workers only better than Northern Ireland’s.

But Carol Daniell, Jobcentre Plus’ external relations manager covering Darlington and Durham, said there is an air of positivity.

She revealed the organisation is working with new bodies, such as Beamish Museum, to give jobseekers greater opportunities through placements and work experience, which she said can provide a platform into employment.

Ms Daniell added it is also supporting transport firm Stiller Warehousing and Distribution, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on its ambitions to recruit younger drivers.

She told The Northern Echo: “We are working hand-in-hand with different organisations, such as Beamish and Auckland Castle, on the opportunities they are offering to build people up at a pace that suits them.

“Employers also like to see people doing voluntary work and it allows those involved to build their skills and put things on their CV.

“Stiller are looking at getting young people into driving and we are working with them on an initiative.”

Ms Daniell also revealed companies are focusing on apprenticeships with greater regularity, adding Jobcentre Plus is supplementing that by helping provide traineeships, so people can bridge the gap between qualifications.

She added: “The labour market is quite positive for us in the area and we are very busy.

“Employers are coming to us and are looking to recruit.”

According to wider figures, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of people in work across the UK stands at a record level, with nearly 31.6 million having jobs.

It added the UK’s unemployment rate stood at 5.1 per cent between January and March, with more women in work.

Stephen Crabb, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “The unemployment rate is at the lowest in a decade and there is good news in the North-East, where the number of people in work has remained near a record high with employment at 1.2 million.”