Town shows a rise in employment

Latest figures released by the Government show last month 2,630 people were claiming out of work benefits compared to 2,760 for January 2016.

However, the figures also showed the town had the second highest number of claimants in the region with 4.6% of Hartlepool's population out of work.

Jason Livingston, from the town's Jobcentre Plus, said the figures of improvement on last year are positive news.

He said: "Hartlepool has continued on its trend of improvement, which is slightly bucking the regional trend."

Mr Livingstone said there are two main areas of employment growth in the town and these are in retail and in the care sector.

He said: "One of the main areas of increased employment is in retail. For example Morrisons has announced a new home delivery service, which means more staff."

The job centre worker said the move could create up to 60 jobs once the delivery service is fully up and running, which will include both people in store to pack items, as well as delivery staff.

New jobs in the care sector include a new health care development in Seaton Lane to provide purpose built units for pensioners and an area for people with complex needs.

It is expected this development will create around 30 jobs in the summer when it is complete.

Regionally the figures are showing a record high for people in work with 1.2million people working across the North East.

Responding to the North East figures, Secretary of State, Damian Green, said: “With employment at its highest rate since records began, and unemployment at its lowest in over a decade, we remain in a position of strength.

“Our on-going welfare reforms will continue to incentivise work and make sure the system is fair to all those who need it and those who pay for it.

“There’s great news in the North East where the number of people in work are at a near record high of 1.20 million people in work.”