FAMILIES in parts of Cheshire are worse off now than they were in 2010 after statistics show a drop in real wages across the country.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics revealed real wages have fallen by 6.7 per cent in Weaver Vale over the last 12 years, leaving full-time workers £2,354-a-year poorer.

In the Tatton constituency, real wages dropped by 1.6 per cent in the same time, with people £587-a-year worse off.

The term real wages refers to wages that have been adjusted for inflation.

Real wages haven't dropped in the Eddisbury constituency, but across the North West they have dropped by 4.8 per cent, with people £1,590-a-year poorer.

Weaver Vale Labour MP Mike Amesbury said the drop was down to the Conservatives' failure to grow the economy and 'level up' Britain.

He added: “Britain is broken. A crucial component of getting wages up and improving living standards is growing the economy, something that has stalled under the Tories.

"With more money in their pockets, people have more to spend in local businesses which can then afford to take on more employees and pay higher wages in a virtuous cycle.

"At the same time, central Government receives more tax revenue to spend on public services like the NHS.

"Our plan for prosperity features bold and exciting proposals to spread power, wealth and opportunity to all parts of the UK.

"We would restore stability with a fully-funded growth plan – led by real investment to secure the green jobs of the future."

“In partnership with British businesses, we would build a stronger, greener and fairer economy that actually works in the interests of working people.” 

Tatton Conservative MP Esther McVey said repeated Covid lockdowns caused the 'single biggest damage to the economy' in recent times.

She added: "That is why after the first lockdown I opposed them and voted against them in Parliament. 

"Labour would have locked down harder and longer and in turn created an even bigger problem.

"It was clear to me at the time you cannot lock down an economy for two years, print and borrow money, pay people to stay at home and run up £400 billion of debt and it not have a devastating impact on the country.

"The figures for Tatton are significantly lower than in other parts of the North West which I welcome, but I fully recognise how difficult things are at the moment and I will continue to do all I can to support local residents and businesses during these extremely tough times."