ASIAN men living in central Accrington are three times more likely to be unemployed than their white neighbours.

Of those in full time work, the majority are in shops and semi-skilled or manual factory jobs.

One third of the Asian jobless are under the age of 25 and twice as many residents are classed as permanently sick.

The findings are part of a report commissioned by Hyndburn borough council aimed at getting more residents from the ethnic community into jobs and encouraging the growth of Asian-owned businesses.

A multi cultural research team interviewed 150 residents, met 40 business owners, and held discussion groups, as well as interviewing support agencies and analysing successful initiatives elsewhere. Lack of qualifications, including written English, was seen as the biggest barrier to jobs by both the community and potential employers. Employer prejudice was also perceived as a barrier by a third of those interviewed.

Head of strategic development John Tilley told Hyndburn economic development board: "I am not sure the report gives us any startling new revelations. But it severely underlines we have done little more than scratch the surface of the issues and highlights the need for more grant assistance to this part of East Lancashire."

The council is now going out to consultation on a proposed action programme to tackle the challenges.

Councillors were told this could only be delivered by creating, with the community, partnerships between all the agencies and leading employers operating in the area.

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