Budget comment from EEF

Commenting on the announcement by Chancellor Phillip Hammond on new commitments for the North of England, Richard Halstead EEF’s Membership Engagement Director - North
said: “The new pledge of £337million for new trains to improve the Tyne and Wear Metro system is very welcome for businesses in the North East, helping to facilitate a mobile workforce.

"In the post-Brexit environment this becomes increasingly important as businesses are telling us they are now struggling more than ever to recruit new employees locally, and with the fall in the pound, many EU workers have already decided to leave the UK.

"Digital connectivity also received a significant pledge of £35 million to boost digital connectivity improvements as well as upgrading infrastructure developments on the Trans-Pennine route between Manchester, Leeds and York.

“This, along with the announcement of a new devolution deal between Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, with the promise of access to a £1billion fund with other metro mayor areas, will bring welcome investment to the area.”