AVERAGE earnings in Wiltshire after inflation are still more than 10 per cent below the real value of earnings more than a decade ago, a study by the GMB union has revealed.

It showed full-time workers’ mean gross annual pay in Wiltshire and Dorset in 2018 was just 89.7 per cent of what it was in 2007. Back then the mean gross annual pay of full-time workers was £27,570. In 2018 that figure was £33,666, which when inflation at 36.17 per cent is factored in, meant a decrease in pay of 10.3 per cent. The figures for Swindon were £28,078 in 2007 and £33,158 last year.

Regional GMB secretary Paul Maloney said: "Overall workers need to enjoy above inflation pay rises for the good of the economy. Action is needed to secure a living wage of £9 outside London and £10.55 in London. That is why recent official data showing pay rises ahead of inflation is a welcome development in the economy."

"Action is also needed to tackle widespread abuse of self-employment as a way of undermining pay and terms and conditions of the most vulnerable workers in the economy particularly migrant workers. This is undermining consumer spending and tax receipts into the Treasury.