Wage inequality has soared across both the East and West Midlands
over the last 13 years according to new TUC analysis published today (Monday)
to coincide with the beginning of the TUC’s first Fair Pay Fortnight which runs
until Sunday 6 April 2014.
The figures – based on full-time earnings from the Annual
Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) – show that between 2000 (when the data was
first collected) and 2013 the pay gap between the top 10 per cent and the
bottom 10 per cent of earners in the east midlands rose by 5 per cent – and 7
per cent in the West Midlands.
This new analysis shows how wage inequality has soared in
parts of the UK over the last decade. This growing pay gap is bad news for our
economy and bad news for living standards.
The picture is particularly bleak in London and the South
East, but in areas like the Midlands, the North West and the East of England a
significant gulf has developed between top and bottom earners. Unless this
trend stops now and more high-skilled jobs with decent pay are created, this worrying
pattern is likely to become even more entrenched.
Everyone must benefit from the recovery, not just those at
the top. The TUC wants to see a greater commitment to pay the living wage from
both government and employers, a crackdown on excessive executive pay, and
modern wages councils which could set higher minimum wages where employers can
afford to pay more.
During Fair Pay Fortnight we’re asking workers to back our
call to MPs to get all political parties to put decent pay at the top of their
agendas in the run up to the election.”
The Midlands TUC, unions and trades councils will be
hitting the streets to talk to people about our Fair Pay Fortnight campaign,
details are listed below. Why not come along and tell us your pay story and how
you are having to cope with rising prices for services food and fuel?
Rob Johnston
Midlands TUC Regional Secretary
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