FIGURES have shown a drop in how much residents across Essex were earning last year, compared to 2007.

Official data by trade union GMB shows the average earnings still lag below the real value of earnings in 2007, after inflation.

The data has shown in the East of England, full-time workers’ mean gross annual pay in 2018 was just 90.9 per cent of what it was in 2007.

In 2007 the mean gross annual pay of full-time workers was £32,134. In 2018 that figure was £39,412, which when you factor in inflation at 36.17per cent, saw a decrease in pay of 9.9 per cent.

  • In Braintree, full-time workers' mean gross annual pay has fallen by 16 per cent, taking in inflation.

Full-time workers were earning £34,195 in 2007 and £39,265 last year.

  • In Basildon, there was a decrease of nine per cent - with pay being at £33,082 in 2007 and £41,197 last year.
  • In Southend there was a decrease of six per cent - with pay being at £30,534 in 2007 and £39,363 last year.
  • In Colchester there was a decrease of five per cent - with pay being at £32,471 in 2007 and £42,315 last year.
  • In Castle Point there was a decrease of three per cent - with pay being at £30,404 in 2007 and £40,344 last year.
  • However in Maldon there was actually in increase of 0.5 per cent, with pay being £32,398 in 2007 and £44,336 last year.

Warren Kenny, GMB regional secretary, said: "Inflation has been steady but relentless. On average pay has not kept pace with this inflation.

"Overall workers need to enjoy above inflation pay rises for the good of the economy. Action is needed to secure a living wage of £9 outside London and £10.55 in London. That is why recent official data showing pay rises ahead of inflation is a welcome development in the economy.

"The best and easiest way to tackle abuse in the labour market is to enable workers to join trade unions.

"GMB consider managers interfering with the human rights of workers to combine into trades unions should be punished by severe fines and prison sentences."