RE, UNEMPLOYMENT rate in Blackburn, Darwen and Burnley above average One would expect the unemployment rate here to be above the national average. There is a strong tendency for the South to do better than the North during booms and busts, which accounts for the growing gulf between London and the south-east and the rest of the country.
The comment from the manager of the Blackburn Jobcentre is revealing. Vacancies are said to be increasing notably in retail, care and construction. Positions in retailing and personal care are low-paid, in the main.
The assessment by Jack Straw that too many jobs are low-paid and insecure is close to the mark, I fear.
It’s a pity members of the parties in government are either unable or unwilling to acknowledge this. While one cannot deny things are improving, the behaviour of some local members of parliament towards their party serves the people of East Lancashire very badly.
K Smith,Colne
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