Record low in pay growth raises serious questions about quality of job creation

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures published today (Wednesday) by the Office for National Statistics, which saw regular pay growth fall to 0.7 percentage points – its lowest level since records began – TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“It’s good to see unemployment falling, but with pay growth falling to a record low, serious questions must be asked about the quality of jobs being created in Britain today.

“If all the recovery can deliver is low-paid, low-productivity jobs – many of which don’t offer enough hours to get by – then it will pass most working people by and Britain’s long-term economic prospects will be seriously diminished.”

Average weekly earnings (regular pay, excluding bonuses) increased by 0.7 percentage points in March–May 2014, the lowest rise since the current series of records began, according to the ONS.

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