Many thanks for the replies folks, and ‘animal’ thank you for the pointers - it’s much appreciated!
I didn’t think I’d walk into a job straight away but I am down-heartened by how really difficult it is to secure anything. I honestly believe that there’s something awry about the NE area in general and jobs - and I’ve lived in Newcastle all of my life! We seem to be that strange bit of land north of Leeds that fills in the gap up to the Scottish Border, and politicians & government don’t give a stuff. Anyway, enough of that, I’m rambling like a mad-man.
I’ll continue my quest and I’ll keep you posted.
Kind regards,