Workers across the region have seen their earnings decrease in real terms, with pay failing to keep up with inflation in the last decade.

The average wage in Norfolk rose to £30,382 in 2016 from £24,990 in 2007, an increase of 21.6% but this was a 4.5% real terms reduction when inflation was applied – according to calculations by trade union GMB.

In Suffolk mean wages rose from £28,626 to £33,891 between 2007 and 2016, making the average worker 7% worse off than they were in 2007.

Across the whole of the East of England the GMB said average earnings were reduced by 9% when compared with inflation.

Warren Kenny, GMB London regional secretary, said: 'Earnings in all areas in Eastern England are still below the level of 2007 once inflation has been taken into account.

'We need several years of growth to fill the gap and to meet the ever rising cost of housing.'