Pandemic has 'wiped out ten years of progress' for old industrial towns like Mansfield

Unemployment in older industrial towns is now above the levels experienced ten years ago in the wake of the financial crisis, and there is the possibility of further redundancies into the spring, says the new report commissioned by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

T he report looks at the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the economy, labour market and public health of older industrial towns and the former coalfields in the Midlands.

Most of these areas entered the crisis already lagging behind in terms of prosperity, well-being and life chances.

Professor Steve Fothergill, co-author of the report, said: “As the economy recovered from the financial crisis, there was real progress in bringing down unemployment in older industrial Britain even though the problem had by no means been solved, but in less than a year since the onset of the pandemic the increase in unemployment across older industrial Britain has more than offset these gains.

“In effect, the pandemic has wiped out ten years’ economic progress in older industrial Britain.”

Peter McNestry, chair of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “Once again, we are left to try to pick up the pieces as our communities are hit hard by another crisis.

"After the major losses of industry throughout the coalfields, then the government’s measures of ten years of austerity, the effect of the pandemic cannot be ignored.

“This report provides the evidence in black and white that more needs to be done if

our residents are ever to have a chance of moving forward.

“The government needs to keep levelling up firmly on the agenda and rather than talk

about change, make it happen. We have provided detailed plans and strategies that

will make a lasting and positive difference for generations, yet we cannot work alone.

“The impact of this pandemic will remain long after the UK economy is reporting

recovery. We urge the government to focus on these forgotten communities, those

most in need, before it is too late.”