Jobless rate sparks call for economy boost

He said: “The figures show that Blackpool is suffering far more than the national average in terms of the effects of austerity and the failure of the Government to re-energise the economy.

“The unemployment figures consistently underestimate the number of hours that many people of all ages work.

“The Government needs to look at stimulating the economy right now, particularly in terms of towns like Blackpool, not by waiting to announce measures in the autumn statement.”

However, Blackpool North MP Paul Maynard said the national trend showed the country was on the right track. He said: “Nationally we have seen another fall in unemployment, and a rise in employment to record levels.

“I am sure that as the two new enterprise zone are established at the Airport in Blackpool, and on the old ICI site in Thornton, that we will see stronger employment figures locally.”