MP Debbie Abrahams says more needs to be done to encourage investment in the North West after latest jobless statistics in her Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency hit 2,790.

Ms Abrahams pointed out that the unemployment rate in the area of 5.9 per cent is “significantly above” the UK claimant rate of 2.8 per cent and also the UK unemployment rate of 4 per cent in April to June.

She said: “The government’s industrial strategy is having as much success as the so-called Northern Powerhouse.

“Much more needs to be done to encourage investment in the North and North West so that Oldham can take advantage of the development of high quality jobs here.

She also highlighted the problem of “under employment”.

Ms Abrahams said: “The government must also acknowledge the huge numbers of people who are underemployed, for example, the numbers of people working on zero-hours contracts, is greater now than it was in 2008 and 2009, when the country was plunged into a recession triggered by the worldwide financial crisis.”