Pay rises among Sussex workers failed to keep pace with national average increases over the last year, despite the soaring cost of living.

A report reveals that full time workers in East Sussex are paid just £5.65 a week more than at the same time last year, an increase of 1.5 per cent - less than inflation.

Their average gross weekly earnings rose from £388.21 to £393.86, one of the smallest increases in the country.

Workers in Brighton and Hove fared a little better but along with their colleagues in West Sussex, also fell well below the national average.

The average take home pay of workers in Brighton and Hove rose by £12.60 per week, from £419.46 to £432.06 - a rise of three per cent.

In West Sussex, average pay went up £8.08, from £449.18 to£457.26, a rise of 1.8 per cent.

The national average rise was £20.53 - 4.6 per cent - taking average weekly earnings from £444.22 to £464.75.

Compiled for the GMB union, the report used figures from the April 2002 New Earnings Survey, published by the Office of National Statistics earlier this month.

GMB officials have attacked pay levels across Sussex saying the issue needed to be urgently addressed.

Spokesman Adam Hunter, said: "An extra £5 is a very small increase for one year. I suppose one thing you've got to be thankful for is at least pay hasn't gone down like it has in some areas of the country.

"Let's face it, Brighton and Hove is the city by the sea but to us, it's the low paid capital of the South.

"For too long this has been the case and it's something that needs to be addressed.

"House prices have gone up staggering amounts in Brighton but the wages haven't responded.

"Quality employment is needed in Brighton, not just in terms of hours and conditions but also in pay.

"We believe the Government needs to have a proactive regional policy because this shows one size does not fit all."

The report reveals workers in Bury, Lancashire, enjoyed the largest pay rises last year, with their average earnings up 15.3 per cent.

Average earnings actually fell in 21 areas, with Lambeth (-4.8 per cent) and North Ayrshire (-5.5 per cent) propping up the bottom of the pay movement league.