Nick Harvey MP today criticised the Government for their failure to reveal the full picture regarding employment.  Statistics released today show the South West has the lowest unemployment rate in the United Kingdom, yet while employment is high, in North Devon wages have dropped to £114 less than the national average.

North Devon has the lowest wage rate in the region at £316.70 per week, a drop on the previous years’ figure when average wages were at £320.50 per week.

Nick Harvey, MP for North Devon commented:

“Whilst the Government’s latest unemployment figures present good news for North Devon and the South West, I am deeply concerned that wages remain at rock bottom. The Government must not be complacent over these recent employment statistics.

“Far from resting on their laurels on this issue, the Government must work harder to raise people’s income in North Cornwall and in the rest of the region, whilst at the same time driving down unemployment.”

The average full-time wage for 2005 was £431.20 per week across the UK whilst in the South West the wage was £407.30 per week.