The government has pinpointed the worst ‘jobless pockets’ in the country for the first time.

A Social Exclusion Unit study examined why some people are not in work even when jobs are available. The study used data from the Department for Work and Pensions to look at six English areas.

Traditionally affluent and relatively deprived areas are both as likely to be hit by worklessness, the study found. Those most likely to be unemployed tended to be those with no qualifications or with a long-term illness, the report said.

Limited training opportunities, poor transport infrastructure and a change in the nature of local employment were key causes.

Minister for social exclusion Jeff Rooker said: “The government is committed to removing barriers to work for those who can. We want to make sure the benefits of record employment are felt in every neighbourhood in England.”

The worst areas included Brent in north-west London, central Birmingham, Kerrier in Cornwall and Middlesbrough.