BUDGET hotel chain Travelodge is set to create North-East jobs as it opens premises at Sunderland and Hartlepool.

The firm said today it would need almost 200 new staff before Christmas because it was opening nine new hotels.

The recruitment drive started today for jobs including receptionists, housekeepers and cleaners.

Jon Hendry Pickup, Travelodge's chief operating officer, said: "These new jobs are for the long term, not just for Christmas. We want enthusiastic and committed team members whose number one priority is to look after our customers."

BANK PROBES: It was a bad day for Barclays as it emerged the bank is subject to two fresh US investigations as it announced sliding into a third quarter loss to the tune of £47m.

The bank’s already-tarnished reputation faced further damage today as the bank admitted inquiries by UK authorities into payments between the bank and Qatari investors had prompted the US Department of Justice to launch its own probe.

Additionally, the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Ferc) has warned Barclays it faces another fine following an investigation into power trading between 2006 and 2008.

Barclays, still reeling from a series of scandals including the Libor-fixing affair and the mis-selling of payment protection insurance (PPI), saw shares drop more than three per cent.

The fresh inquiries were revealed as new Barclays boss Antony Jenkins insisted the bank was in good shape despite sliding to a £47 million loss in its third quarter.

The loss was driven by a £700m hit to cover mis-sold PPI claims and a one-off £1bn charge against the value of the bank's own credit.

PARADE OPENS: Newcastle’s Quorum Business Park has seen its retail parade has open, with Tesco Express and Greggs amongst the retailers signed up to the new scheme.

The pasty maker and retailer is already open and trading, while the supermarket and independent coffee shop and deli Eat@Quorum are due to start fitting out their units.

Still to be filled is a 2,400sq ft restaurant.

Development work began on the 10,000 sq ft retail scheme in February and has been carried out by Northumberland Estates, the property development and investment company representing the business interests of the Duke of Northumberland.

The units were constructed by Esh Group, the main contractor on the project.

OFFICE OPENS: International accountancy firm Mazars is opening first North-East office. The new office will open tomorrow (November 1) at Rivergreen Centre, Aykley Heads, Durham.

Mazars’ new office will be the base for a team of 49 audit and support staff who are transferring to Mazars from the Audit Commission following the firm’s successful bid for a five year contract for public sector audit work in the North-East and North Yorkshire.