Pat McFadden MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business responding to the Experian research today, said:

"This report should be a wake-up call to the coalition. The Government's reckless approach to the economy is a gamble with growth and jobs.

“We already knew they had turned their backs on supporting regional growth, with decisions like the scrapping of the RDAs.

“Today we have further evidence that their approach will hit the poorest areas hardest."