Wages in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot among the worst performing across Wales

WAGES in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot are among the worst performing across Wales over the past four years, according to research from the GMB union.

The real value of average earnings of all employees living in Wales has dropped by 12.4 per cent between April 2008 and November 2012, according to a GMB study.

The figures show the average wage in Swansea has fallen from £22,660 in 2008 to £22,324 in 2012.

Average wages in Neath Port Talbot also fell during the same period from £22,646 to £22,353.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

Workers in Carmarthenshire fared slightly better as the annual earnings for employees in the county rose over the four year period.

Wages increased from £20,657 to £22,038. John Phillips, GMB Wales Secretary, said: "Consumer spending is the single biggest component of demand in the economy and with the real value of wages from employment falling there is no mystery as to why the economy is in a downward spiral.

"The replacing of full time permanent jobs with part time and temporary lower paid jobs is part of this.

"In both the public and private sectors GMB is organising active local campaigns in support of a living wage of £7.45 an hour (£8.30 in London).

"A living wage and pay rises to help hard pressed families as bills go through the roof are needed to boost the economy and stop the downward spiral."