THE number of people who are classed as under-employed in the North West has increased by 18 per cent since 2010, according to new analysis published by the TUC today.

The analysis shows that under-employment has risen by 55,000.

People working part-time because they can’t get a full-time job or wanting more hours in their current job are classed as under-employed.

Lynn Collins, north west TUC regional secretary, said: “With more jobs being created, you’d expect that under-employment would be on the wane too.

“But, sadly, with part-time, temporary, low-paid jobs often the only work that people can get, under-employment remains stubbornly high and is still rising.

“As the squeeze on pay continues, many people don’t have enough money for everyday essentials, let alone the cash to cover any emergencies.”