Sunderland is the worst area in Tyne and Wear and sixth worst in the UK for workless households, with over a quarter of households being unemployed.
Twenty six per cent of households in Sunderland are classed as workless, meaning that no one living there between the ages of 16 and 64 is in employment.
This information comes from the Office for National Statistics, who have released the most recent figures from 2014.
The figures also show that the number of workless households in Sunderland is at its highest since 2011.
Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, said:
"It is deeply disappointing that Sunderland has not seen the benefits of job creation over recent years, and this needs to be addressed urgently."
“There is no reason why Sunderland should lag behind, all we lack in this area is the political will from central Government to really force through the changes that we need to see in order for us to make progress.
“For far too long the North East in general, and Sunderland in particular, has been overlooked by the Government and it is only when we are able to get real focus on us that we will start to see jobs being created."
Sharon claims that the quality of work is also important, she said: “In too many instances over recent years we have seen low-skilled, low paid work rise whilst there has been no rise in quality, secure, higher paid work.
“Also crucial is the role of education, as it is fundamental to almost everything we do in later life that each and every one of us has the same access to quality education. This enables both young and old to learn vital skills that will help them in the jobs market, and in society more generally.”
Pallion Action Group offers a Job Club and Karen Wood, the Community Development Officer, agrees that more help needs to be given to get people trained for work.
She said: “There is work in Sunderland but we need to upskill the people of Sunderland. You can have as many jobs as you want but the city hasn't got the amount of people needed skilled up for those jobs."
Speaking about a bootcamp style intensive program the Job Club has recently started called the WIRES Program, Karen said that 41% of those who took part found employment.
She said: "We're not talking about just getting people any type of job. It's getting the right job for them. So it means that it will be more sustainable because they will stay in work."
Karen added: “The highest percentage of people coming here are people who have been long term unemployed or those with multiple barriers. These could be disabilities, mental health issues or just a lack of computer skills.
“Some people just need a human being and a personalised service, something where for the first time someone is actually listening to them and trying to help. It’s nice for people to be treated like a human being and not just a statistic.”
"There is a huge unemployment rate but there is also a lot of help available and a lot of the time people don't know what help is out there."
For those who have recently become unemployed or are struggling to get back into work, churches and charities can be accessed.
Elim Church holds a food bank every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm which runs on a voucher system.
Vouchers are handed out by doctors or children’s services to those who are believed to be in the most need.
These are two examples of food allocation forms which would be given to families considered to be in need of food from the food bank.Hilma Cairns is a member of the church who organises the food bank, while other volunteers help to run it.
She said: "Food banks are hugely beneficial, particularly in Sunderland. There are a lot of people in need and benefit cuts and unemployment are one of the reasons for this.
"Food from us is so helpful to them because it helps get them through a hard period where they might have no food at all."
Mrs Cairns said that as well as the food bank, Elim church can also offer prayer and listening services to those in need who may be struggling because of unemployment.
Sharon Hodgson, who is also the Shadow Children's Minister, said: “It is hugely beneficial for children to grow up in working households. This gives greater security to families and sets a positive example to young people as they grow up."
