LATEST unemployment figures have revealed a glimmer of hope that the worst of the recession might be over.

The number of people in East Lancashire without a job and claiming benefits has risen by 143 people to 15,946 – compared to a rise of 666 the previous month.

However, the number of unemployed people is still nearly double that of last October, before the recession took hold, when just 8,218 were jobless.

Mike Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, has given a cautious welcome to the new figures and hopes they signify that we are turning the economic corner.

He believes the nature of our local industries have given the area a degree of shelter, while other areas of the country reliant on financial, housing or motor companies, have been the hardest hit.

And the man in charge of the regeneration of East Lancashire, Max Steinberg, has also said he has been ‘encouraged’ by the latest figures.

As chief executive of Elevate, he sees how businesses have been coping with the downturn and how some are even flourishing.

According to Mr Steinberg, there has been no reduction in the number of people wanting to set up their own businesses and he is seeing a continuing stream of business expansions.

Renewed optimism can only be a good thing for local businesses and those they employ and could be the thing that really helps us all out of this recession.