Two thirds of textiles firms in the East Midlands have seen sales drop in the last year, according to a new report.

The figures highlight the decline in the industry which has seen thousands of job losses in the same period.

The textiles sales fall is revealed in the East Midlands Business Survey.

It comes on the same day a Derbyshire MP is to lead a debate in the House of Commons on the crisis in the textiles industry.

Profit falls

The business survey shows a "two speed economy" in the East Midlands.

Industries such as retail and the service sector, banking and insurance, for example, are doing well.

However, manufacturing and particularly textiles are faring much worse.

Real concerns exist that we are facing nothing short of a crisis

Peter Booth, T&G union

John Sarginson, managing partner at law firm Eversheds which carried out the survey, said more than half of textile firms also reported a fall in profits.

"Over the past year many businesses in the East Midlands have put in strong performances and have reported healthy growth.

"However, this survey emphasises how some sectors, notably manufacturing and textile businesses, continue to suffer - a sign that the two speed economy remains a strong feature of the region's economy."

It follows closures at Richard Roberts in Leicester, Charnos Knitwear in Derbyshire and the Beauvale Group in Derby.

Jobs 'haemorrhaging'

The plight of textiles workers is to be discussed in parliament on Tuesday led by Judy Mallaber, MP for Amber Valley in Derbyshire and Kali Mountford, MP for Colne Valley in West Yorkshire.

The debate has been welcomed by the Transport and General Workers' Union.

Peter Booth, textiles national organiser, said: "Real concerns exist that we are facing nothing short of a crisis for one of our hallmark industries.

"Jobs have been haemorrhaging at an alarming rate but over 200,000 people, their families and local communities still rely on employment in textiles and related industries.

"If we do not invest in our industry the future looks bleak."