ONE in five workers in Bolton West earn less than £4 an hour, according to Commons figures.
Treasury officials released the figures to MP Ruth Kelly when she tabled a question to Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown.
The MP claims the figures show the need for a minimum wage to protect her constituents and other low paid workers throughout the country.
She said: "The last government's outdated view of working conditions has led to poverty pay and rising benefit spending, which costs every taxpayer in Bolton West £120 a year.
"By setting a minimum wage a sensible level, the new Labour government will be able to target benefits more effectively, combat the poverty trap and float people off benefit dependence."
The MP also points out that Department of Social Security surveys have revealed that 3.9 million workers in the North West earn below average pay.
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