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

A Social Exclusion Unit study examined why some people were not in work even when jobs were not available.

“Worklessness’ was found in both relatively affluent and traditionally deprived areas.

Those most likely to be workless tended to be those with no qualifications, and people with a long-term illness, the report found.

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 therefore 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, East Lindsey in Lincolnshire, East Manchester, Kerrier in Cornwall and Middlesbrough.