IT will come as no surprise to most people to discover that workers in Bolton are among the lowest-paid in the North-west.

Full-time workers here earn an average of £23,980 £1,500 less than the average for the region and £4,000 below the national mean.

Experts say the only way to increase this figure is by attracting more highly-skilled workers into the borough.

It is vital that this occurs, as a poorly paid workforce creates a vicious circle in which the average person's lack of spending power means businesses in certain sectors do not thrive and are forced to close, leading to more people being put out of work.

Higher pay will both boost demand and create new jobs.