The mean average gross wages for workers resident in Cornwall during the recession from 2008 to now has fallen in value by 12 percent, according to data published by the GMB trade union.

Although the nominal figure for the Cornwall wages has risen, inflation of 17.8 percent in the period has resulted in the fall in real value.

For England the fall is 14.6 percent, and most of the twenty areas with the largest falls are in London and the south east of England.

The Office for national statistics (ONS) has published provisional data for 2013 showing that the pay for men and women in fulltime employment and resident in Cornwall still falls a long way short of the national level.

The annual, median, gross wage was £22,246. The mean was £26,239.

For England as a whole the figures are £27,375 and £33, 975.