THE number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Wirral fell again last month, according to figures out today.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows the number of claimants dropped to 4,290 in September, a fall of 25 on the previous month.

According to the ONS, unemployment nattonally has fallen to a 12-year low but pay growth continues to fall behind inflation, with more than 32 million people in work.

ONS statistician Matt Hughes said: "Many labour market measures continue to strengthen.

"Employment growth in the latest three-month period was driven mainly by women, with a corresponding drop in inactivity.

"Vacancies remain robust, at a near-record level.

"On the other hand, total earnings in cash terms grew slower than prices over the last year, meaning the real value continues to fall – down 0.3% over that period."

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: "Pay packets are taking a hammering.

"This is the sixth month in a row that prices have risen faster than wages.

"Britain desperately needs a pay rise. Working people are earning less today in real-terms than a decade ago.

"The Chancellor must help struggling families when he gives his Budget next month.

"This means ditching the artificial pay restrictions on nurses, midwives and other public sector workers and investing in jobs that people can live on."