Workers in Waltham Forest are earning less in real terms than they were a decade ago, a new study has revealed.

Figures released by GMB London, based on government statistics, showed the average person working full-time in the borough took home £35,834 last year.

In 2007, that figure stood at £32,280. However, when an inflation rate of 27 per cent across the period is factored in, workers are now 12.8 per cent worse off.

The study, which covered 29 London boroughs, found only workers in Lewisham and Merton are better off on average than they were nine years ago.

Warren Kenny, GMB London regional secretary, said, "GMB welcome that in the past year average mean earnings grew by 2 per cent in London.

“But there are still 27 London boroughs where earnings are below the level of 2007 once inflation has been taken into account.

“We need more years of growth to fill the gap and to meet the ever rising cost of housing.”

Figures showed workers in Redbridge are earning 7.2 per cent less in real terms than in 2007, while Newham residents are 6.7 per cent worse off.

The biggest reductions in wages once inflation had been taken into account was in Hammersmith and Fulham, where workers lost 38.7 per cent on their pay packet.

However, the average annual salary in the borough stood at £60,082 in 2007 and is now £53,894- £18,000 more than the average Waltham Forest resident can expect to make.