Shocking new released figures have revealed how badly the Covid-19 crisis has hit people in Slough.

A report by the comparison site HelloSafe shows that the number of jobseekers in the UK has increased by more than 80 per cent over the last 12 months (89 per cent in England).

But Slough is one of the worst hit towns in the country with a 424.9 per cent increase between December 2019 and November 2020, taking numbers claiming Jobseekers Allowance from 193 to 1,013.

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This week Cllr Balvinder Bains, Slough Borough Council's lead member for inclusive growth and skills said many of Slough’s residents were employed in sectors which have been devastated by the impact of Covid, including hospitality and aviation.

Council leader cllr James Swindlehurst said the council was taking action.

He said: “As a response to the pandemic we developed and have launched Inclusive Growth Strategy which will open up new opportunities for our residents to train for new careers and gain new skills required to re-entre the work place.

"This  is set alongside our skills and jobs hub at Observatory House and the council's construction and adult social care academies that will open in the coming months.

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"We are also working with partners in bidding to government to become an Institute of Technology and if successful this will deliver higher technical education with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"It will deliver subjects such as engineering, digital and construction to provide local employers with a skilled workforce and students with a clear route to technical employment.”