Research by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) found that there were "depression black spots" across the UK.

The solution is complex, multi-faceted and involves the redistribution of resources and a genuine transfer of power

John Monks TUC general secretary

Half of areas with the highest unemployment were found in London and four in the north east of England.

In some areas, the jobless rate was three times the national average of 5.3%.

Hackney, in east London, had the UK's highest unemployment levels, of 16.4%, followed by Newham and Haringey - also in London - and Middlesbrough.

North south divide

The TUC said that despite high levels of unemployment in many Northern and Welsh towns, poverty was also a localised issue.

'Pockets' of high unemployment*

Hackney: 16.4% Newham: 13.5% Haringey: 12.7% Middlesbrough: 12.4% Southwark: 12.1% South Tyneside: 11.9% Tower Hamlets: 11.8% Liverpool: 11.1% Newcastle-upon-Tyne: 11% Blyth Valley: 10.6% *People actively seeking work

In London, for example, where there has been strong employment growth in recent years, overall labour conditions put it on a par with other deprived areas.

The capital has some of the worst pockets of deprivation found in any of the regions.

John Monks, TUC general secretary, said: "The solution to cracking these pockets of poverty is not to try and make every regional economy like those of south-eastern England, nor is it to flood them with make-work schemes.

"The solution is complex, multi-faceted and involves the redistribution of resources and a genuine transfer of power," he said.