Blackburn has been named as one of the worst affected areas for unemployment in the country after the Covid-19 pandemic, new data shows.

Kate Hollern, MP for Blackburn, has responded to the data revealed by Centre for Cities which shows the town has the seventh highest number of unemployment claimants.

Centre for Cities has tracked the levels of unemployment in the country after the Covid-19 pandemic, and Blackburn, Burnley and Blackpool make up three of the top 10 worst affected areas.

The data shows 29 per cent of people in Blackburn have high-skilled qualifications, which is lower than the national average.

Despite the number of people claiming unemployment benefits falling gradually, it is still above March 2020 levels.

Responding to the data, Kate Hollern said: "This is a challenge that I've been speaking to constituents, local leaders and businesses about.

"The pandemic had a dreadful impact on communities in Blackburn, but this has long been a problem.

“A combination of persistent challenges for local businesses; prohibitive costs of getting to work, like the cost of childcare; and economic inactivity because of temporary or long-term sickness, have all contributed.

"Levelling Up has so far failed people and places, especially those in Blackburn, and doesn't meet the ambition of local people who want to learn new skills, start their own businesses or get back into work.

"We need a serious plan for skills in our community, and businesses are desperately wanting more flexibility to invest in young people with a better designed apprenticeships levy.

“On balance, tens of millions of pounds have been taken away from local leaders who play a huge role in driving progress in our community - small funding pots are simply not enough. 

"Blackburn has incredible potential. Local leaders, earlier this year, demonstrated the community's innovation in securing Levelling Up funding for the Guide interchange, but I was disappointed a separate bid to unlock £40 million of match-funding for a new skills and education campus was not taken up by Whitehall.

“This would have significantly bolstered the area's long term economic potential. Thirteen years of Tory failure and today's misguided, piece-meal, approach to Levelling Up has put Blackburn at a disadvantage and is holding us back now. 

"A long-term economic plan that puts families and communities first is long over-due."

Andrew Carter, Centre for Cities chief executive, said: “Since the pandemic we have seen lots of headlines alluding to record-low numbers of job seekers but Cities Outlook shows that in many cities, particularly in the North, there is actually a jobs shortage.

“With the UK predicted to enter a recession, the Government must address its lack of action on levelling up so far and act swiftly to create more opportunities to get people back into the labour force.

“This will require implementing an agenda that delivers much-needed investments in skills and public services, while supporting job creation in struggling places.”