BOURNEMOUTH faces a bigger challenge than anywhere else in the south west if it is to recover from the impact of the Covid crisis, it is claimed.

A report warns that the economic fallout of the coronavirus risks “levelling down” many places in the south of England.

An annual study of the UK’s major urban areas by Centre for Cities says Bournemouth’s unemployment rate needs to fall by 3.5 per cent in order to rebuild its economy. It is the biggest figure in the region.

Centre for Cities chief executive Andrew Carter said: “At the last election, the government pledged to level up the North and Midlands, but now there is a very real risk that previously prosperous cities and towns in the South West could be levelled down – at least in the short-term.

“This will have damaging consequences for the whole country, which depends on places in the South West to create jobs and fund public services.

“Stopping the South West’s levelling down and helping the North and Midlands recover will not be cheap and will require more than short-term handouts. government support and investment for new businesses in emerging industries will be essential, as will spending on further education to train people to do the good-quality jobs created.”

The think tank wants the government to keep the £20 rise in universal credit, support jobless people in finding work and consider a new Eat Out to Help Out scheme for hospitality and bricks and mortar retailers.

When the crisis is over, Centre for Cities says the government will need to spend on further education, improving transport infrastructure and making city centres better places for businesses to relocate.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Of course we face an extremely challenging economic climate and a long road to recovery. This is why it’s absolutely essential we see a clear long-term road map for businesses to aid our recovery.

“It’s also vital we move away from the stop-start tactics we’ve seen which makes it incredibly difficult for businesses to plan.

“Financial support needs to be focused on those sectors most effected and commensurate with the impact they have suffered.

“We have a resilient business community and there are signs of optimism in some sectors and many businesses I speak to are seeing increases in business. There is a good level of support available – this can be accessed through the Dorset Gateway, delivered by Dorset Chamber in partnership with Dorset LEP.”