Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has heavily criticised the Government after Labour analysis revealed that working people were £1000-a-year worse off after a decade of Conservative rule.
Using Office for National Statistics Data, Labour have shown that when inflation is taken into account, a salary in 2021 is worth less than a salary in 2010. On average, wages have fallen by 3.45%. The figures highlight impact of wage stagnation and decline, and come as Rishi Sunak plans to slash the £20 uplift to universal credit. Around 40% of Universal Credit claimants are already in work, and it is estimated that up to 500,000 people could be pulled into poverty overnight by the change.
The research also shows that wage decline has not been equally distributed among regions. In the North West, 63% of constituencies have seen a real term pay cut, compared to 59% in the East Midlands and 44% in Scotland. Labour is now calling for an immediate increase in the minimum wage to at least £10 p/h.
The figures come after Labour released their own employment plan on Monday, in which it committed to the £10 p/h minimum wage, outlined how it would protect workers rights, provide work flexibility, and ensure sick pay for every employee.
Speaking after the figures were released Andrew Gwynne said:
“These figures are disgraceful, and shine a light on the disastrous impact of a decade of Conservative Government. People in this country deserve a fair wage that enables them to live without worrying about how they are going to put food on the table or pay bills.
Wage decline has had a devastating impact on individuals and families across the country, and the Government just doesn’t seem to care. More than that, they are planning on cutting the £20 universal credit uplift – which has been a vital lifeline over the last year and a half for so many people.
These figures show that ‘levelling up’ is just a useful slogan for the Tories. In order to make a difference to those in Greater Manchester, the Government needs to actually stand by working people, and give them a proper wage.”