Oldham’s thin wage packets

Oldham East and Saddleworth has some of the lowest pay levels in the region, the TUC says today.

Merseyside’s Sefton Central is the worst low-pay blackspot, with 40 per cent of adults earning below the Living Wage.

Next is Blackpool South with 39 per cent; West Lancashire with 38 per cent, then Oldham East and Saddleworth with 32.9.

In some parts of the region four jobs in 10 are paid less than the “Living Wage” - the amount a person needs to cover basic living. The rate is £8.80 an hour in London and £7.65 elsewhere — higher than the national minimum wage of £6.31 for over-20s.

The figures were released for the 15th anniversary of the National Minimum Wage and the second week of the TUC’s Fair Pay Fortnight campaign.