THE number of employed persons in Rushden is approximately 11,000 of whom 7,000 are men. Of these, 4,200 men and 3,200 women are boot and shoe operatives.

Most recent unemployment figure is six men and four women, of whom one man and two women are boot and shoe operatives. Rushden has not suffered a drop in the number of persons employed in the boot industry .

The only new industry is a factory opened by a small firm of coach builders.