Rochdale, hardest hit by recession and its going to get worse, says report

Rochdale has been named as one of the towns in most danger of lagging behind in  recovery from the recession.

In a report published today, the think-tank, Centre for Cities, says the borough already has high unemployment and it is set to get worse.

Rochdale is in the top five worst hit towns and cities in the country in terms of the highest increases in claimant count unemployment.

The authors of the report warn of a "jobless recovery" as employers can increase capacity without extra hiring, adding that it will take five years for employment levels to return to pre-recession levels.

The Centre has called on the government to target jobs spending on towns like Rochdale where it is most needed.

The Centre for Cities is a non-partisan research and policy institute, helping cities improve their economic performance. Working with cities, employers and central government to develop practical policy solutions which help urban economies grow.

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