The north west is being hit hard by government cuts, says the TUC

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed that 294,000 people are now out of work.

Lynn Collins, north west TUC regional secretary, said: “The north west is feeling the effects of the government’s austerity agenda. It’s clear proof that more needs to be done and that the government’s plans just aren’t working.

“Despite cutting public sector jobs and the slow growing economy that isn’t creating the jobs the government predicted.

“ We need an alternative economic model that delivers good sustainable jobs and a jobs’ guarantee for every unemployed young person.

“A rise in unemployment comes on top of a cost of living crisis, with rising costs alongside real term wage cuts and an increase in the use of food banks and pay day lenders.”