CAN we afford to let unemployment rise? It cannot be economically viable.

With another 500 jobs lost at the Alcan smelter plant, in Northumberland, and a further 3000 or more affected through the supply chain, these are tough times for the region.

Obviously, it represents a loss for the workers and their families, but it depresses an industry and restricts opportunities in the community.

Sadly, the situation is magnified across the majority of the country. If things continue, the culture of work will become one of unemployment. There will be many who will see it is a mark of recession and the situation will improve, but we cannot have complacency here.

Long-term unemployment has consequences on how people see work.

It also affects health and sustainability of communities.

We know in this part of the world that losing an industry rarely causes an area’s revival.

We need that revivalism within an urgent appraisal of demand and the skills that are needed.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe.