MORE than a thousand jobs will be lost in Blackburn and Darwen in the next year, according to a new study.

The forecast, by economic development experts Gavurin, predicts 1,300 job losses in the next 12 months, with the manufacturing sector the worst hit.

More than 150 jobs would also be lost in the hotel and catering and financial sectors, according to the ‘recession map’ study.

Bosses say the predictions are in line with other parts of the country, with nationwide unemployment expec-ted to reach three million before the next general election.

It has also been revealed there were 220 fewer businesses in April compared to the same time last year.

The spread has been even across sectors, according to a report presented this week to the Economic Regeneration Partnership Board.

Since the figures were compiled there has been further misery on the jobs front, after Blackburn Microtech Solutions, based at the historic former Mullards site, in Phillips Road, Blackburn, was placed into administration, putting about 80 jobs under threat.

The latest figures show 4,289 people in the borough claimed Job Seeker’s Allowance in August, a 1,500 increase on the previous year.

Council bosses say they are determined to protect businesses from the worst of the downturn, and have joined forces with Blackburn MP Jack Straw in a number of “summit” meetings at the town hall in recent months.

Despite the report, Robert Hough, the new chairman of the North West Regional Development Agency, said there were reasons to be positive.

He said: “We are seeing the first signs of recovery and in manufacturing those wheels are back in motion.

“The view is that we are over the worst, and all the evidence says we have turned the corner.”