HC Deb 21 July 1980 vol 989 cc5-6W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of the number of (a) men and (b) women earning less than each of £55, £65, £75 and £85 for a full working week.

Mr. Jim Lester

The latest available estimates are in respect of April 1979 and are as follows:

Millions
Gross weekly earnings (including overtime earnings) Number of full-time employees aged 18 and over whose pay was not affected by absence
Men Women
Less than £55 0.8 1.9
Less than £65 1.7 2.9
Less than £75 2.9 3.6
Less than £85 4.4 4.0
Source: New Earnings Survey.

Estimates for April this year will be available later in the year. Because of the substantial rise in average earnings since the 1979 survey the numbers shown in the reply will now be considerably reduced.