THE Labour government must do more to help workers in the North East and Yorkshire and Humberside, a poll by a leading union has shown.

The Unite poll shows that 89% of the region’s members think the government can do more to help workers keep their jobs during the recession, while 84% would back a government fund to keep skilled workers in their jobs.

The poll comes before Unite’s March for Jobs in Birmingham on Saturday, which thousands are expected to attend, and also reveals that 77% of respondents know someone who has lost their job because of the recession.

Unite’s regional secretary, Davey Hall said: "Working people need more support from the Government during this recession.

"If taxpayers' money can be used to bail out the banks, then so must it be used to keep our vital industries alive across the North East and in Yorkshire and Humberside."