Newcastle businesses concerns about predicted unemployment rise
Newcastle business improvement district says the predicted rise in unemployment is a worry for the hospitality sector.
It is following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' UK Spring Forecast about the economy last week.
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of Newcastle NE1, said: "That means less people with jobs, less money to spend, especially for those consumer-oriented businesses such as retail and leisure.
"What is of particular concern is the huge rise in youth unemployment also.
"The hospitality sector is the third largest employer in the country.
"We've seen 120,000 job rises, unemployment figures, just under half of which are coming from the hospitality sector.
"I do have real concerns about youth unemployment and what that means for the future of employment in general.
"For many, it's the first job that they'll have. I know it was with me. Waiting tables, standing behind a shop counter gets you into the habit of work.
"I worry about what that means for the long-term prospects of employment in the city and the region."