LABOUR candidate Joanne Ross has vowed to stand up for the working-class, after saying the economy is "rigged against" every day people.

The Clacks woman has argued that the current UK Government serves only the affluent in our society, while failing to support many in the Wee County.

Ms Ross said: "Many people in Clackmannanshire are struggling: Whether it is a young man with a degree, a baby and a wife, who moved here so his wife could finish university, and who struggled for months to find a job, or the nurses struggling to make ends meet, or the shop staff having to survive on low wages, it's not good enough.

"I've been talking to people this [last] weekend who are in despair when debt upon debt heaps up and they are forced to resort to credit cards and loans to live.

"This isn't through any fault of their own or a lack of experience or qualifications, but because this current economy is rigged against working people.

"It's rigged by an elitist Tory government in Westminster, who receive fat cheques from their supporting banks and the super-rich."

Ms Ross is aiming to become the MP for the Ochil and South Perthshire constituency, following next month's snap General Election.

In the lead up to June 8, the Labour hopeful is holding open surgeries from her campaign officer on Mar Place, in Alloa.

From there, she hopes to convince voters that her party stands the best chance of opposing the Conservatives in London.

Ms Ross said: "The SNP cannot mount a strong defence against it in Westminster. A Labour majority, however, can prevent it.

"As the Labour candidate who also lives here, I am tired of people in this area getting a raw deal from Holyrood and Westminster. I'm committed to meeting with as many people as I can, to hear from them directly, for a change and making sure that our voice is heard where it matters.

"And I have been listening and I promise to fight for the working poor, the welfare dependant, the junior doctors, the struggling nurses and carers.

"I promise to fight against Zero Hour Contracts, take a stand against the corporate greed that cripples our communities. I promise to fight for a fair-wage, a liveable wage for everyone over 18."

Anyone wishing to attend Ms Ross' open surgeries can attend the office on 14 Mar Place on Thursday and Friday mornings from 10am–12noon.