A FORMER mayor of Swindon and Labour's new economic spokesman on Swindon Borough Council reacted to the news of WH Smith cutting a total of 150 jobs at its Swindon and London offices.

Coun Junab Ali said: “Our thoughts are with the WH Smith employees and their families who are affected by this announcement. Sadly, this week has seen one job losses announcement after another - with thousands of people being made unemployed.

“As we emerge from the current Covid-19 crisis, the scale of the economic crisis will become clear. That’s why we need a Back to Work budget, one that helps create, support and protect jobs. There has to be a laser-like focus on jobs in our economic recovery, and we hope that Swindon Borough Council will work with us on ensuring that we give workers and businesses in Swindon the crucial support they need.”