AN Oldham MP has spoken of the "massive increase" in the number of people in his constituency seeking support as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton, said his office had dealt with more than double the number of incoming case work requests in the last 12 months, compared to the prior year.

In the same time, the number of emails received by the MP from constituents seeking advice or support has increased by 189 per cent and the number of emails sent out in reply to constituents, to the government or to third-party agencies have increased by 200 per cent.

Mr McMahon, a former leader of Oldham Council, said: “My office is here to support constituents all year round with issues big or small, and this last year has been tough for everyone. My constituency team have been excellent in making the transition to working from home and still ensuring that we do our best for constituents.”

“The massive increase in emails and incoming casework means that it’s sometimes taking us a little while longer than we would like to reply to some emails, but my team and I are still here to do what we can for the people of Chadderton, Oldham and Royton.

“Shirley, Linda and Kyle in my office have dealt with the increase in workload tremendously and I want everyone in Oldham West and Royton to know just how hard they’re working for everybody here in the constituency.”

“Over the last year we’ve helped thousands of Oldhamers with all sorts of issues and I want everyone else to know that we’re here to help. Even if we can’t directly solve an issue, we will point you in the right direction for support and fight for the best outcome.”