COMPANIES across the North-East have vacancies to fill but are being hampered by a skills gap, according to a new report.

Latest findings show businesses in Darlington are some of the most willing across the region to add to their workforce.

However, the survey, from Manpower Group, says firms are struggling to find workers to suit their needs.

The report also said the surge in job numbers has been driven by a rise in call centre and customer service roles across the region, with businesses struggling to retain better staff as they seek career progression and better pay.

The update comes after official figures last month showed the North- East had shrugged off the title of being the UK’s jobless hotspot following a dip in unemployment between January and March.

Amanda White, Manpower’s head of specialist markets, said: “While the job market in the North-East has improved, for employers the hunt for suitable candidates has been getting tougher.

“Companies are increasingly needing to look more to potential candidates who are not actively looking for a job, but could be convinced to leave their current organisation for the right opportunity.

“Competition for candidates is particularly noticeable in Darlington and Sunderland.

“There are plenty of vacancies here, which shows employers’ desire to take people on.

“But there is a skills gap.

“For employers, it is a challenge to hold onto staff who are very willing to switch roles to find better opportunities.”

According to official numbers, the North-East’s jobless rate stood at 76,000 people, or 5.9 per cent, between January and March, which was below London’s 6.1 per cent, where 297,000 were out of work.

Fresh figures on national unemployment are due to be released tomorrow (Wednesday, June 14).