£7bn pay cut for North West economy last year

TOTAL pay has been cut by more than £7billion a year across the North West since the recession, according to figures published by the TUC.  The North West has experienced sharper cut in its overall pay packet between 2007 and 2012 than any other region of the UK; falling by a total of 10.6%, compared to a UK average of 8.5%.

The TUC analysis shows that in 2007, pay packets across the North West totalled £71.5bn (in 2012 prices). However a combination of falling real wages, reduced hours, changes in the number of people in work and the kind of jobs people are doing, has slashed total pay packets so that by 2012 they had fallen to £63.9bn; a real terms pay cut of £7.6bn.

Across Britain, the nation's pay packet was £52bn lower in 2012 than before the recession.  While individuals are most concerned with their own wages, local businesses are also affected by pay levels in the area. Shrinking pay packet across the North West are bad for workers and businesses too, says the TUC.

The TUC believes there are 3 main reasons for the sharp fall in total pay packets; wages failing to keep pace with inflation; a shift towards reduced working hours, including part-time work; and the replacement of middle and relatively well-paid jobs, particularly in the public sector, with lower paid jobs in the private sector.

The analysis shows that Britain desperately needs a pay rise, says the TUC. Over the coming months the TUC will campaign to promote decent and fair wages, for example by helping to spread the living wage across the public and private sector.  But increasing Britain's pay packet will only help the economy if wage gains are spread evenly across the country. In the run up to the crash, only the top 5% experienced real wage growth above 1%. The TUC will continue to campaign against pay inequality by supporting greater pay transparency and a role for ordinary workers in the setting of boardroom pay.

North West TUC Regional Secretary Lynn Collins said:- "Over the last five years, people across the North West have taken a massive hit in their pay packets, while millions more have had to reduce their hours or lost their jobs altogether. This means that many families will struggle to pay for holidays and days out this summer, and there will be no room for little luxuries. Families are having to watch every penny and prioritise the basic essentials and paying the bills.  Our pay and jobs crises have shrunk the region's total pay packet by more than £7 billion a year. It's no wonder businesses across the North West are struggling when so much demand has been sucked out of the local economy. Shrinking wages are hitting people's living standards, holding back businesses and strangling growth. Britain desperately needs a pay rise to get the economy moving again. While economic growth is the most important challenge we face today, the years running up to the crash have taught us that growth without wage gains just creates more unsustainable debt.  Employers and both local and central governments need to recognise the importance of decent wages in delivering sustainable economic growth. They can start by becoming living wage employers and being more transparent about their pay systems."

The Southport British Armed Forces Day Show 2013

ON Saturday, 29 June 2013, on Southport's Princes Park (PR8 1RX), the annual British Armed Forces Day Show will be held, from 11:00am to 17:30pm. One of the many highlights, if the weather permits, will be a Spitfire Flypast! But even if the weather spoils that, this event will have many attractions that include displays and stands run by:- 59 Royal Signals; 116 RMP; 127 REME; 156 Transport; 208 Hospital; 103 Royal Artillery 208 Battery; Yorkshire Rifles; AFCO RAF; AFCO Army and 4 Para. Along with:- Local Cadet Force; Liverpool Kings Old Pals; Royal North Lances, The Friendly Loyals Assoc; RBL Southport; RBL Riders; RBL Byng House; Chindit 1, Poppy Appeal Bus; ABF Paintball; Blesma; V.I.A; RNBF; S.O.S; HOW'S; H 4 H That is not forgetting:- The 47th Regt. of Foot Re-enactment team; Lancashire Hussars Living History Team; 1940's Re-enactors; Ace Mobile Living History Group; M.V.T; Mega Mini Stunt Display Team; Salvation Army Band; Salvation Army Tea Wagon; Ponts Fairground; Steve's Inflatables; Starchaser; Magic Monkeys Archery; Fire Engine Museum Water Cannon and, last but not least, the Merseyside Mounted Police. Sadly, due to operational issues, as of yet, still not confirmed are:- B Coy Mercian; and 1st Royal Tank Regt, plus an RAF Hawk Flypast, but it is hoped that they will be confirmed very soon! For more information please keep an eye out in next week's issue! On Sunday, 30 June 2013 the Southport's BAFD Parade will take place. It will be assembling at 10:30am for the march off, with the Band of the Duke of Lancaster's to the War Memorial on Lord Street: More information to follow.