Britain's economic divide between north and south is alive and kicking despite competition for jobs falling to a two-year low, it was reported yesterday.

Long-term unemployment among 16 to 24-year-olds has also doubled in the past six months, suggesting that youth unemployment is reaching "crisis point," according to research from jobs site Adzuna.

Analysis of work patterns by the firm found that nine out of ten of the worst cities for employment prospects are in the north, while nine out of 10 of the best are in the south.