IT is being claimed that statistics show that while pay is increasing in Ludlow and south Shropshire there is still a problem for women workers.

Data released by the Office of National Statistics show a general improvement in wages across the south of Shropshire but also that women’s wages are falling, according to Andy Boddington who represents Ludlow North on Shropshire Council.

“Ludlow wages fell sharply during the recession but are now picking up quickly,” said Andy Boddington.

“But women’s incomes have fallen back in the last year.

“Basic pay in the Ludlow constituency is up 9.3 per cent over the last year. That is well above the national rise of 3.4 per cent.

“We now trail the national average wage of £425 a week by just £30.

“This increase is partly due to increases in the minimum wage but there also seems to be general rise in pay rates in the Ludlow area.”

Andy Boddington regards this as good news but needed because of rising inflation. But he says that in one area the statistics are less rosy.

“There is a downside to these statistics," he said. "Nationally women’s wages grew by 4.5 per cent last year. Here in Ludlow, they fell by 5.6 per cent. That means that women in the Ludlow constituency earn just £231 a week, £112 lower than the national average.

“The statistics released this week suggest women with part-time jobs in the Ludlow area are working fewer hours. That could reflect local businesses doing less trade.

“Unemployment in the Ludlow constituency is low but the number of claimants has grown by 21 per cent over the last year.

“That’s another worrying sign that businesses in the area might not be doing as well.”