FEARS of Bolton being 'disproportionately hit' by the pandemic are growing amid reveals that the furlough uptake in Bolton is around half of the national average.

In a written response to a question tabled by Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi to the Chancellor, it was revealed that, as at December 31, statistics show that around 15,300 people were furloughed in Bolton - representing a 12 per cent take-up rate among eligible employments in the borough.

This compares to the national rate of around 20 per cent.

The Bolton South East MP believes that areas like Bolton should be prioritised when the Chancellor announces the budget tomorrow to compensate for this.

Ms Qureshi said: "The recent furlough statistics published by the Treasury in regard to Bolton makes for worrying reading.

"Our furlough take up is lower than the national average and when coupled with increases in unemployment and universal credit claimants, Bolton is in a position to be disproportionately hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

"Bolton, like many other Northern towns, has struggled in the move towards a service-based economy since the 1980s.

"If the Government are serious about 'building back better' after the pandemic, then the Chancellor will use the budget this week to prioritise areas like mine."

More than 10,000 Bolton households are claiming universal credit, while 10 per cent of the local population is unemployed - which is around double the national average of 5.1 per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics.

With Bolton's demographics trending towards younger age brackets, Ms Qureshi is concerned that people are missing out on vital opportunities for skills and employment opportunities

A Treasury spokesman said: "Throughout this crisis, the government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods while also supporting businesses and public services across the UK, including in Bolton.

"To do this, the government has put in place an economic package of support which will provide businesses and individuals with certainty over the coming months, even as measures to prevent further spread of the virus change.

"The government has spent over £280 billion this year to provide this support."