6.16 The Fylde Coast area experiences profound labour market challenges, particularly in Blackpool. Employment rates are typically significantly lower in Blackpool, while unemployment rates are typically higher (and subject to seasonal fluctuation). The employment rate in Blackpool declined by 7 percentage points from 2002 to 2007 compared to growth of 5.7 percentage points across Lancashire and by 3.5 percentage points nationally, although employment appeared to recover somewhat in the period to June 2009.