JOB seekers do not hold out much hope that the growth figures will mean a fast road to employment.

Outside Northallerton’s Job Centre Plus, Alan Gregg, 41, said: “I doubt it will make very much difference to individual people.

“It might be better news for businesses – hopefully anyway – but for the individual person on the street I don’t think it means very much, we are still struggling.”

Sarah Gardner, 35, said she did not think the news would make any difference.

“It is just a load of codswallop. I was made redundant from my job in local government as a community worker helping people with drug and alcohol problems and there is just not that kind of work around.

“I can’t see this announcement making very much difference, maybe in London but not up north.

“I am thinking of starting up my own business because I doubt very much something in my line of work will become available any time soon.”

Lesley Philips, 52, said she had worked as a teaching assistant in the past and was looking for work after recovering from a long-term back problem.

“It doesn’t mean anything to me. I am looking at all kinds of work from cleaning to working in cafes or pubs, but very few places seem to be hiring," she said.

At Bishop Auckland Job Centre Plus Vicky Hope, 24, of Shildon, said: “The economy might have grown and improved but it’s still just as hard to find a job – it hasn’t made it any easier.

“My partner use to work in the construction business and when that went down the pan we decided it’d be easier for me to find a job and for him to stay at home with our son.
“I not looking for a job in a particular field - I’m looking for any job as beggars can’t be choosers."