Action needed to tackle pay gap for workers

Commenting on this week’s employment figures which show a fall in unemployment across the North West but a gap between average earnings and inflation, Lynn Collins, North West TUC Regional Secretary, said:

“We are pleased to see unemployment fall in the North West and we’ve consistently called for job creation to be a major focus to get people back into work.

However we need more than just job creation. We need good quality jobs that provide good terms and conditions and a wage that provides a good standard of living for workers. Instead the latest figures show that average earnings are way below inflation making it difficult for many to make ends meet. At a time when the Institute of Directors report that many of their members will be looking to implement pay rises that at least match inflation, we need more employers to do the same in both the public and private sector.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

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- Congress 2014 will be held at the Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool, from

Sunday 7 September to Wednesday 10 September. Free media passes can be obtained by visiting www.tuc.org.uk/media-credentials and completing an online form. Applications must be in by noon on Wednesday 27 August. Any received later than that will be processed in Liverpool and will cost £75.

Contacts:

Media enquiries:

Jay McKenna T:0151 236 5432 M: 07788 414578 E: jmckenna@tuc.org.uk

Lynn Collins T: 0151 236 5432  M: 07887 797156