IN the Central Devon Parliamentary Constituency, more than a third of jobs are paying less than the living wage, the national Trades Union Congress (TUC) has revealed.

TUC analysis of official figures from the House of Commons Library shows that nationally, on average, one in five jobs pays under the living wage – currently set at £7.85 across the UK, outside of London.

A total of 23 per cent of workers across the West Country earn less than this.

The 34.7 per cent below the £7.85 hourly rate of pay in Central Devon makes it one of the worst pay rates across the South West.

Across Great Britain, more than five million people get paid less than the living wage.

Kingswood in South Gloucestershire tops the list of living wage "black spots" in the wider South West with more than half paid less than the living wage. This is largely due to the fact that Mitie, the big contract cleaners is based there and includes its low paid workers in the local statistics.

Rural areas of the region come out worse especially in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset with 40 per cent paid below the rate in South East Cornwall, 38 per cent in Torridge and West Devon, 37 per cent in Wells, 36 per cent in Totnes, 36 per cent in St Austell and Newquay, 35 per cent in St Ives, 31 per cent in North Cornwall and 30 per cent in Bridgwater and West Somerset.

This is in stark contrast to the region's urban centres.

In Bristol North West 12 per cent earn less than the living wage, 12 per cent in Bristol West, 14 per cent in Plymouth Moor View and 18 per cent in Exeter.

For working women the picture is even more bleak.

In Torridge and West Devon 52 per cent of women workers do not receive a living wage, 50 per cent in the Forest of Dean, 48 per cent in South East Cornwall and 44 per cent in St Austell and Newquay.

South West TUC regional secretary Nigel Costley said: "Extending the living wage is a vital step towards tackling the growing problem of in-work poverty across the South West – and Britain as a whole.

"Working families have experienced the biggest squeeze on their living standards since Victorian times, and these living wage figures show that women are disproportionately affected. Pay has been squeezed at all levels below the boardroom, and the government's mantra about making 'work pay' is completely out of touch with reality.

"The number of living wage employers is growing rapidly and unions are playing their part in encouraging more employers to sign up and pay it. But we need to see a far wider commitment to pay the living wage from government, employers and modern wages councils – to drive up productivity and set higher minimum rates in industries where employers can afford to pay their staff more."

The national minimum wage is expected to rise to £7 an hour.

The Low Pay Commission is believed to have finalised its report and the Government is expected to acknowledge receipt.

It is believed the announcement will be made in the budget next month.

Alan Quick