We need a solid economic plan for a South West recovery, says TUC

Commenting on the latest figures published today by the Office for National Statistics which show the number of people seeking unemployment support in the South West doubled (with an increase of 97.9%) between March and April, TUC Regional Secretary Nigel Costley said:  

“These figures are alarming – but unsurprising.

“As we feared, some of the bigger job losses have fallen in communities dependent on tourism and leisure. These are areas that already suffered with high levels of insecure, low paid work.

“It’s clear we need a solid regional economic plan for recovery.

“Extending the job retention scheme was the right first step. Now we need a job guarantee scheme to avoid long-term unemployment, with plans that puts full employment on decent wages and fair terms at its heart. 

“And regions must lead on this recovery. Communities have been at the core of surviving this pandemic. It’s only right that communities have a say on how we get back on our feet.”