Workers in Dwyfor Meirionnydd are among the lowest paid in the UK, according to new official figures.

The Office for National Statistics has revealed this week that the median full-time wage for Dwyfor Meirionnydd is the third lowest in the UK, at £21,519. And the median overall wage, which considers both full and part time wages is £16,449, the fourth lowest in the UK.

MP Liz Saville Roberts said the figures are “an indication of the geographical inequality of the United Kingdom”.

She added: “The constituency has seen a steady loss of public sector jobs over the last 10 years with cuts to public funding. I will continue to work with the private sector and public authorities to seek jobs which pay wages that allow families to remain or return to Gwynedd.”

Tywyn councillor Mike Stevens blamed successive Welsh governments having “little focus on rural mid Wales”.

Gwynedd Council promised to target sectors that pay well in its strategic plan.

Cllr Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member for economic development said: “As a council we are acutely aware of the low earnings in Dwyfor Meirionnydd and are fully committed to addressing the long-term issue of low income levels in Gwynedd and in particular in this area.”

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