DURSLEY and Cam have been described as a “jobs black spot” and being left behind by a leading union figure as more redundancies are announced in the area.

The Coalition Government’s recent announcement that the economy and manufacturing sector are improving nationally, hides the fact that people close to hand are not doing so well, according to UNITE the Union regional officer Trevor Hall.

“We are being told everyday that things are getting better and the economy is improving and that manufacturing is improving," he said.

"Say that to the ones at Listers and other companies in Cam."

Mr Hall has had to help around 110 workers with redundancies from Dursley manufacturing firm Lister Petter and food company Kerry Group’s factory in Cam in the last three months.

Now WSP Textiles' branch at Cam Mill is believed to be letting go of 12 of its workers.

“It ‘aint as rosy as the Government is making out,” added Mr Hall.

“It’s the story I am hearing a lot, not just in Cam and Dursley. Everywhere I go there are redundancies.

“Those being employed are being hired on zero-hour contracts and flexible contracts.”

Labour politicians in the area have criticised Conservative MP for Stroud, Neil Carmichael, accusing him of playing down local redundancies while praising the Government’s record on manufacturing.

Cllr Miranda Clifton, representative for Cam East said: “It must be frustrating for all the families suddenly coping with the bad news of redundancy and the need to find a new job.

“With the cost of living still rising sharply and a shortage of manufacturing jobs locally, it’s a huge worry for everyone affected.”

The Labour party also criticised Mr Carmichael taking Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, MP Ian Duncan Smith, to Stonehouse engineering firm Delphi last week, alleging that he was not acknowledging the problems in Cam and Dursley.

Mr Carmichael told the Gazette this was not the case and he was looking to tackle some of the issues for the area with the forming of his new group the Carmichael Commission.

He said the visit from the Minister was good timing, as Delphi was one of the largest employers in the area, and did employ staff from Cam and Dursley.

“Recruiting every year as they do it should be recognised and I am very proud of Delphi and of Renishaw which are both doing extraordinarily well,” he said.

“It is obviously disappointing for Lister and other firms in Cam but overall employment is falling in the district.”