WORKERS in the Yorkshire region are suffering huge pay inequalities, according to a new survey.

More than seven workers in ten in North Yorkshire earn less than the national average weekly wage, according to analysis of the 2002 New Earning Survey carried out by workers' union GMB.

While pay cheques in York are a little more healthy, with city workers pocketing the highest earnings in the region, more than six in ten still fall well short of the British standard.

North Yorkshire earners are ranked eighth in the Yorkshire and Humberside region, falling well behind other rural areas including the East Riding of Yorkshire as they earn almost £10 a week less on average.

The average wage in North Yorkshire is £403.40 compared with the British average of £464.70. Earners in York scoop £432.20 weekly.

GMB northern secretary Kevin Curran said: "Yet again we see a huge level of pay inequality between people in the South and those in the North. Clearly there are still huge pockets of low pay in our region and the government should address this as a matter of priority.

"The North urgently needs targeted help to attract more employers, improve skills and create jobs for people in York."

The report comes shortly after research carried out by GMB Northern showed that 78 per cent of 1,468 women surveyed believe they are not paid as well as their male colleagues, and were possible victims of pay discrimination.

Mr Curran said: "The survey clearly shows that the majority of women in the workplace feel as if they are second-class citizens.

"It has taken so long campaigning for equality issues to get to where we are, yet certain employers still take short cuts which will eventually prove to be costly."

Updated: 08:17 Monday, February 17, 2003