HYNDBURN has been named and shamed as one of the worst boroughs in the country for people living off benefits.

Shock figures released this week show nearly one person in three does not work.

According to the latest Government statistics, there are currently 48,000 people of working age in the borough.

But 15,000 of them are listed as "economically inactive", meaning that they are either too ill to work or simply do not want to get a job.

This is a whopping 30.4 per cent, which compares with a North West average of 23.3 per cent and a national average of 21.6 per cent.

It is topped only by inner London boroughs such as Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

Of those not working, 5,700 were on incapacity benefit, 540 on disability benefit and 11,200 not wanting work, though these can include housewives and students.

The figures have been greeted with caution by Hyndburn Council.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "When you see the monthly employment statistics they can often be misleading as not everyone who is unemployed will feature in them.

"It does not surprise me to find that Hyndburn does feature quite highly in the figures. People have been telling me for some time now that it is very hard for them to find suitable employment in the borough.

"There seem to be a lot of menial jobs around but not a lot which are better paid. That is why we as a council are looking to attract firms which can offer people better-paid jobs."

Opinions on the streets of Accrington were mixed.

Steven Finn, 17, of Plantation Street, Accrington, said: "I wouldn't say it is hard to find a job. I found one after looking for a week. I think in some cases people not working is just pure laziness."

This was echoed by a visitor to Hyndburn, Susan Farnworth, 42, of Rawtenstall, who said: "I have worked all my life and some people just don't seem to care about working. I think it's disgusting."

Penny Woodcock, 36, of Collins Drive, Baxenden, said: "There are some people who probably don't want jobs. But having said that, a lot of the available jobs are part-time and if you are having to look after a family you aren't going to give up benefits to go on a part-time wage."

This was echoed by Kelly Bailey, 26, of Stanley Street, Accrington, who said: "I am unemployed as I care for my child Kane who is two. It is hard for people to find jobs. I know a lot of people who have come off college courses and can't find jobs. Once the course finishes they go on the dole."

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