Workers in Bristol earn £1,750 less a year than in 2008

Bristol workers are £1,750 per year worse off in real terms than they were before the financial crash, according to new South West TUC analysis published today (Friday).

The analysis shows that real wages in the city are 6.8% lower, on average, than they were in 2008.

The South West TUC warns things could get worse, with the Bank of England predicting that real earnings will fall for the rest of 2017 whilst the cost of living continues to rise.

The increase in precarious employment – such as zero-hours contracts – is also driving the fall in living standards, says the South West TUC.

One in three (33%) jobs created in the South West since 2011 have been in insecure work. The TUC estimates that 281,223 people now work in insecure jobs in the South West region - this represents one in ten workers.

South West TUC Regional Secretary Nigel Costley said:

“It’s nearly ten years since the financial crisis, and working people in Bristol are still suffering with average workers £1,750 a year worse off. For many people, that’s the full cost of their annual Council tax bill. And for the lowest earners, that can also include the price of other important household bills. 

It’s clear the city badly needs a pay rise.

As voters go to the polls, politicians really need explain how they’ll create decent jobs with decent pay for all.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
Weekly real wages in Bristol, 2008-2016

Source: ONS, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. Wages are adjusted by CPI, and in 2016 prices.

Employment growth in the South West, 2011-2016

Source: ONS’ Labour Force Survey

- South West TUC on Twitter: @swtuc
- TUC Press Office on Twitter: @tucnews

Contacts:
Nigel Costley  T: 0117 947 0521 M: 0788 779 7153  E: ncostley@tuc.org.uk
Ines Lage  T: 0117 947 0521 M: 07766 250 948  E:inesl@bristolcab.org.uk