Rochdale fares better than neighbouring towns in earnings study

Pay in Rochdale has increased by 13.9% since 2008, however a study by GMB of official earnings data shows the real value of average earnings having dropped by 6.7 per cent.

The drop in Rochdale is not as steep as in neighbouring Oldham and Bury; workers in both towns have seen the real value of average earnings decrease by 13.8%.

The real value of average earnings of all full-time employees resident in the North-West has dropped by 12.4 per cent between 2008-2015.

The Government predicts the economy will grow steadily to 2020. Workers will want to see that growth translating into pay rises above inflation to make up the lost ground, says the GMB union.

Rochdale’s annual average earnings

2008: £25,771

2015: £29,346

Increase of £3,575 or 13.9%, but a 6.7% drop in real value of earnings between April 2008 and April 2015.

Oldham’s annual average earnings

2008: £25,849

2015: £27,595

Increase of £3,575 or 6.8%, but a 13.8% drop in real value of earnings between April 2008 and April 2015.

Bury's annual average earnings

2008: £28,890

2015: £30,954

Increase of £1,974 or 6.8%, but a 13.8% drop in real value of earnings between April 2008 and April 2015.