A report that highlights the fact that wages for people in Dumfries and Galloway continue to be significantly below the Scottish and UK averages has been described as ‘unacceptable’ by South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures revealed today (13^th December) show huge disparities in salaries depending on where you live- with Dumfries and Galloway being the lowest paid region in Scotland.

On average a full time worker resident in Dumfries and Galloway is paid £460.50 a week- down from £462 a weak last year . This is compared to an average of £547.70 for Scotland and £552.70 for the whole of the UK- with both figures increasing this year.

The figures are even poorer for women resident in the region who are paid £407.70 per week on average, compared to their male equivalents who receive £489.30.

Speaking about the report, South of Scotland MSP, Colin Smyth said, “The figures are unacceptable and lay bare the huge economic neglect we are seeing of Dumfries and Galloway by the UK and Scottish Governments. It is bad enough that our region lags behind the rest of Scotland and the UK when it comes to wage levels, but the fact average earnings locally have falling in the last year when the rest of the country on average has increased is shameful.  Workers from Dumfries and Galloway are on average missing out on nearly £100 per week in pay. This is money that could be used in local shops, bars and restaurants which in turn would lead to further jobs being created. The figures also reveal that the scandal of gender inequality is still apparent across Scotland. For women who live in Dumfries and Galloway to be paid on average £80 less than men is simply disgraceful. The low wage economy is a consequence of a consistent failure of both the Scottish and UK Government to invest in the region by and policy of austerity that has led to massive cuts in public services with the loss of thousands of jobs.  These figures really do need to be a wakeup call to both the UK and Scottish Governments. We need to see action including a proper National Minimum Wage of £10 per hour and some serious investment being made to attract decent well paid jobs to Dumfries and Galloway before we fall even further behind.”

Earnings by residence in Dumfries and Galloway

For the full report please see- https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157410/report.aspx?pc=dg1%201gn#tabearn