Employment Blackspot

Mr Carmichael stated he is promoting growth and investment through his Stroud Festival of Manufacturing and, recently launched The Carmichael Commission. Mr Carmichael never in the article expressed any regret with regards to the job losses at Lister Petter and other companies in the Dursley and Cam area. Mr Carmichael also stated there was growth in the economy. As I see it Cam and Dursley will be employment blackspots.

Mr Carmichael also stated that unemployment was at the lowest since he became MP same old rhetoric is he saying, this is acceptable? Our previous MP David Drew fought tooth and nail to secure a future for Lister Petter, I personally remember Mr Drew standing in front of a very hostile workforce explaining the situation to them. Would Mr Carmichael do the same or is he too busy at Westminster?

Workforce at Listers are on short time, this has been since before Christmas living on a low wage that is hitting them hard. Many are in financial hardship yet, they are part of the employment figures. I wonder how many people in the area are in the same dire situation.

The ill thought of bedroom tax is just a way to cut benefits for the unemployed who are already the majority dealing with financial hardship. The foodbank is one of the highest used in the District! This is used by employed and unemployed people. As Mr Carmichael says "The economy is growing". Does the coalition realise the reality for many low or no wage rise. Zero hour contracts, bedroom tax, short time working, erosion of employment rights.

Forgive us for not having the feel good factor Mr Carmichael we feel we are being left behind.

Mr C Fryer (Senior Shop Steward)

U.N.I.T.E Lister Petter

Turner Road

Woodfields

Dursley