Data from July 2019 - June 2020 shows that compared to July 2018 - June 2019 in the North East average hours worked by women decreased by 2.7 hours to 24.3 hours per week. The North East has had the largest drop in average hours worked by women. https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/regionallabourmarket/october2020#regional-labour-market-summary

The North East and Scotland have also seen the largest changes in hours worked by men. In the North East average hours worked by men decreased by 3.1 hours to 32.2 hours per week. Men in the region worked on average 7.9 more hours per week than women.

The ONS have also released data from 2019 showing that the North East has an average ethnicity pay gap of 9.5%. https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/articles/ethnicitypaygapsingreatbritain/2019

The employment statistics released today highlight the negative impact on younger people and people aged over 50 in the region. The employment rate for 16-17 year olds is down nearly 10% compared to March this year, down 4% for 16-24 year olds and down over 2% for 50-64 year olds

Overall Chamber reaction to the employment statistics here: https://www.neechamber.co.uk/updates/chamber-news/chamber-comment-on-latest-employment-statistics Our region needs to see swift and decisive action from Government to avoid record unemployment and long-term economic scarring.