THE Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith last week (12/8/15) announced that the average pay growth since 2010 (excluding bonuses) is now 2.8% — news which was very much welcomed by the Central Devon MP.

This rise in pay coincides with the recent period of flat inflation, meaning that in real terms the amount that people are taking home is rising. Central Devon MP Mel Stride welcomed the news and praised the businesses providing jobs and increasing their staff’s wages.

Mr Stride said: ‘The news that there are even more people in work and that their pay packets are growing is excellent. I commend all the businesses that have created new jobs, given their existing staff pay rises and continue to add to the economy. This is yet more proof that the Conservative’s long-term economic plan is working and ensuring that everyone is benefiting from economic growth.’

Overall, employment has risen by nearly 2-million people since 2010, the claimant count has fallen by over 700,000 and wages have risen by 2.8%. Over three-quarters of the jobs created since 2010 have been full-time and the average household is £900 better off in 2015 than in 2010.