The number of people claiming jobless benefits in the North hit a 13-year high of 59,000 last month, according to official jobless figures.

The latest labour market statistics, however, suggest overall unemployment fell in the North from last December to February by 4,000.

The latest statistics mirror a national trend where unemployment decreased in the UK over the three months to February by 17,000 people.

UK government figures show the number out of work stood at 2.48 million – its lowest level in more than six months. In the last quarter the UK’s unemployment rate fell back to 7.8 per cent.