LOSING 40 good quality jobs from Liverpool at any time is never going to be good news. But it is the manner in which the Civil Service is to switch jobs from Liverpool to Manchester that is particularly hurtful.

There may be logical reasons behind the move, but at a first glance the message appears to one from the Government that Manchester is a preferred to place to Liverpool – especially when the decision to set up a "mini-Whitehall" in Manchester seems to have been smuggled though without a contest.

Economic development teams in Liverpool, be they from the public or private sectors, are all too used to this sort of treatment. They are fully aware that when it comes to persuading would- be incoming investors to come here, they have to try that little bit harder.

But for all the unsinkability of those charged with bringing in new jobs, the feeling will not go away that Liverpool has been given a raw deal, over and over again.

Emollient words about how much staff in Manchester really, really, care about Liverpool need to be backed up with some visible action.

Maybe even more importantly, mindsets in London need to be changed.

We have to say over and over again just how attractive Liverpool and its surroundings are.

Good quality housing at affordable prices, a spectacular coastline, superb leisure facilities and the warm glow still spreading from last year’s Capital of Culture bonanza.

Seen from this end of the M62 it all seems so glaringly obvious. Liverpool is the place to be. We don’t have to start knocking Manchester to make that point, just keep on shouting it loud and clear.