THOUGH many will have a wonderful time with friends and loved ones, too many will be glad to see Christmas behind them.

This Christmas the "left behind" will number more than ever: the homeless, the unemployed, those seeking work and suffering the pittance that is job seekers' allowance, those sanctioned for the most ridiculous reasons and receiving nothing — this group of people are with us in increasing numbers.

It is impossible to walk through Bolton town centre in 2016 and not be aware of the homeless on our streets.

Increasingly since 2010, the number of poor people and families has been swollen by the working poor — those who work but need benefits to survive .

How long before enough people recognise that a rich country like the UK is punishing the wrong people? Whilst the rich get richer the poor get punished. There must be a better way to run things!

Bolton TUC believes that we must fight for a government where no one is left behind; where the wealth we create together is enjoyed together. This involves redistribution of the nation's wealth, and a fair system with no "Sir" Philip Greens!

Unity is strength; division weakens us all. Race or religion; able-bodied or disabled; united we stand, divided we fall.

A better world is possible: we must help to build it in these increasingly dangerous times.

Happy Christmas Bolton — we will overcome.

Tom Hanley

Bolton TUC

Wood Street

Bolton