87,000 more find jobs in the North West

MORE than 3.2 million people are now in jobs in the North West – an increase of nearly 87,000 since 2010.
More than 7,400 people have got jobs through the Regional Growth Fund and private sector employment is up 44,000 since four years ago.
A total of 56,000 more women are in employment under the present government and the youh claimant count is down 22,400.
More than 314,300 apprenticeships have been created since 2010 – more than anywhere else in the country.
And more than a third (35.6%) applied to go into Higher Education in 2012/13 – the highest rate in England outside of London.
The regional figures were released on the back of an International Monetary Fund assessment that the UK will be the fastest growing major advanced economy this year.
Chancellor George Osborne (pictured) said: “Thanks to the hard work of the British people, today we reach a major milestone in our long term economic plan.
“But there is still a long way to go – the Great Recession was one of the deepest of any major economy and cost Britain six years.
“Now we owe it to hardworking taxpayers not to repeat the mistakes of the past and instead to continue with the plan that is delivering economic security and a brighter future for all.”
Christine Gaskell, chairman of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership said: “It is vital that the whole country shares in the economic recovery.
“In Cheshire and Warrington, we are seeing real signs of increased levels of business activity which in turn will lead to more jobs for our workforce.
“From GM Vauxhall announcing 300 new employees at Ellesmere Port to small business start-ups in the service sector, there is a growing wave of optimism in our economy.
“The Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership will continue to invest in those opportunities that make our sub-region 871 square miles of opportunity, innovation and growth.”