Local MP Alan Campbell is delighted to learn that unemployment levels have almost halved in his constituency in the past six years.

In 1997 there were 2,788 people claiming unemployment benefit. By 2003 this number has fallen to 1,540 - a decrease of 44.8%, equating to 1,248 people who have found work. This number fell by a further 1.4% in the past year showing that the reduction is down to long-term investment and successful employment programmes.

Alan Campbell says " This is a remarkable achievement for the Government. To know that so many people have found work in the constituency through programmes such as New Deal, and that the number of claimants continues to fall, shows how committed this government is to ensuring a high level of employment both throughout the country as a whole and in Tynemouth."