Gosport 'vulnerable to economic slump'
A major survey has pinpointed Gosport as hugely vulnerable to an economic downturn.
Research for the BBC by Experian shows the town is more dependent on businesses in vulnerable sectors, such as construction, than anywhere else in England.
The researchers said that one of the town's major employers is Portsmouth Naval Base and the majority of workers in its 79,000 residents are skilled manual labourers, meaning that many would be employed on transient contracts.
Gosport also has a relatively-low rate of self-employment.
Despite the report, Cllr Michael Lane, chairman of the Gosport Economic Forum, today voiced optimism about the town's future.
He said: 'In financial terms, I think we are a place of opportunity. We are delighted that there are people in business in Gosport creating jobs.'
The Experian study analysed the ability of each local authority area to withstand and respond to sudden changes in the economy.
Factors considered the amount of vulnerable and resilient industry within an area, the life expectancy of residents, earnings of workers, and unemployment and crime rates.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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