Revealed: £300-a-week pay gap between Telford and London

The Cities Outlook 2025 report shows that workers in Shropshire's largest town earned an average of £645 per week last year, which was dwarfed by London on £950.20.

Telford’s workers are also raking in £9 per week less than the West Midlands average wage of £654 as well as lagging behind the national average of £715.

Compiled by the Centre for Cities think tank, the report’s authors say it shows the “stark” pay divides in the UK.

Comparing London with the lowest pay area – Burnley – it says that by August the average worker in London has earned what the average worker in Burnley will take a year to earn.

It takes workers in Telford until November to reach the ‘Burnley’ landmark.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Prosperity and Investment Team is aware of the issue and is working on it.

A spokesperson said they are focusing on skills.

“At Telford & Wrekin Council, we are proactively addressing this through strategic investments in skills and economic development.

“Our focus is on creating opportunities for higher-paid jobs by equipping our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a modern, technology-driven economy.”

Initiatives include The Quad, a state-of-the-art digital skills and enterprise hub in Station Quarter, which houses Harper Adams University, Telford College, and European Innovations, a start-up business support consultancy.

“Alongside this, the development of a new digital skills sixth form in collaboration with Telford College will enable local people to upskill in technology and innovation.

“These efforts provide pathways to more specialised, higher-paid roles, ensuring our residents are prepared for the needs of local businesses and supporting their adoption of advanced technologies.”

The council spokesperson said Telford offers a diverse range of jobs, including many entry-level roles that provide valuable opportunities for residents.

The council spokesperson said: “While these roles contribute to lower average wage levels, they also align with the current educational attainment profile within the borough.”

The report also says Telford is the fifth-fastest growing town in the country and has the tenth-highest proportion of private sector jobs compared to those in the public sector.

Private sector jobs (73,500) outnumber public sector jobs (21,500) in the borough by 3.4 to one.

Businesses are good at starting up, but they also fail at a high rate, the report indicates.

The council spokesperson said that it is working with businesses to create better job opportunities.

“Local businesses are investing in their workforce and working with us to create better job opportunities,” said the spokesperson.

“Together, we’re focused on improving skills, raising wages, and supporting the local economy.”

The Centre for Cities report, released last week, said the UK’s economy is driven by the success of its largest cities and towns. Its mission is to help them realise their economic potential through data-driven research and policy ideas.

On wages the report said: “Eight of the 10 cities with the highest wages are in the Greater South East, the best performing region in the country. Meanwhile, wages across the rest of the country tend to be lower, with only Bristol, Swindon, Derby, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Leeds and Warrington having weekly pay above the national average.”