HUNDREDS of new jobs are likely to be created in Great Yarmouth over the next 12 months, according to a new study that flies in the face of the current economic gloom.

HUNDREDS of new jobs are likely to be created in Great Yarmouth over the next 12 months, according to a new study that flies in the face of the current economic gloom.

The research by Norwich Business School at the University of East Anglia suggests that 635 new employees are likely to be hired in the borough over the year following a survey of businesses.

As the survey represents 10pc of the Yarmouth economy it is suggested this could even translate into a massive 6,000 jobs in total, although the report does say that such an extrapolation must be treated with caution.

EnterpriseGY asked Norwich Business School to undertake the research and the primary data gathering was done between September and November last year.

Despite the economic situation arguably worsening since the study was conducted the researchers say the credit crunch and recession were at the forefront of peoples' minds when the interviews were conducted.

“At the time of the research questionnaire the credit crunch was a reality and recession was being predicted,” the report states.

“At the time of the focus groups and the interviews recession was the dominant view of the media and businesses. At this time all businesses were specifically asked about the impact it would have on them. The majority view was that sales/income would drop but businesses would see it through.”

The study said that Yarmouth businesses were reporting a very positive message for the immediate future, with 60pc saying they plan to grow over the next year.

Only 5pc said they plan to downsize or close.

Peter Barry, president of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and managing director of Pasta Foods in Yarmouth, said there was plenty of reason to be optimistic.

“The outer harbour is going to have a big impact on the town and create jobs,” he said. “There is also a lot of work going on with the offshore support industry. Yarmouth is also going to have a big opportunity for tourism this year given that it is extremely expensive for people to travel to Europe and North America at the moment.”