New figures show the unemployment rate across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley has surged to its highest point in 18 months.
The jobless rate for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie jumped to 7.2 percent in August, while in the Hunter Valley, the unemployment rate hit 7.6.
State Newcastle MP, Tim Crackenthorp has slammed the government for presiding over what he describes as a massive increase in the jobless rate, saying claims of jobs and growth are exaggerated .
However, Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes expects job numbers will improve thanks to the construction boom and rising coal prices.
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| Newcastle MP, Tim Crackenthorp |
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| Hunter Business Chamber C.E.O, Bob Hawes |
