AVERAGE pay rises of workers in Oxfordshire have lagged behind inflation for the last decade, according to new figures.

A study by the GMB union has found earnings are lower now than in 2007, in real terms.

The starkest decrease was in west Oxfordshire where the average gross pay of a full time worker was £33,375 in 2007.

By 2018 this had risen to £36,256. But, taking into account inflation of 36.17 per cent, workers in this area are being paid 79.8 per cent of what they were more than a decade ago.

Oxford performed relatively well compared to the rest of the south east but here workers are still only being paid 88.8 per cent what they were in 2007, with the figures rising from £30,123 to £36,430.

Workers in south Oxfordshire earn an average of £50,024 - up from £44,695 - but this means present day wages are still only 82.2 per cent of what they were in 2007, with inflation added.

Cherwell had the best performance, with 97.7 per cent.

Paul Maloney, GMB regional secretary, said inflation has been 'steady but relentless' and average pay has not kept up.

He added: "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."