Training: Margaret Hodge says young people must be given greater opportunities to get into education and training

Full-time workers in Barking and Dagenham have the lowest wages in the capital, according to a new poll.

They were paid £28,400 a year on average, nearly 40 per cent less than the average London pay packet of £46,000, statistics compiled by the GMB union show.

The union said the figures demonstrated the need for a “living wage”, rather than the minimum wage, across the capital including Barking and Dagenham.

Senior GMB organiser, Dave Powell, 54, said: “We’re quite disturbed that people in Barking and Dagenham are so disadvantaged. “We’re calling for some action on it. It seems totally unfair.

“These figures took us by surprise. We’re not quite sure of the reason. It backs up our call for a living wage in Barking and Dagenham.”

The Barking and Dagenham earnings were also lower than the average UK pay packet, which stood at £32,600 last year.

Newham workers had the second lowest wage in London - £29,500 - followed by staff in Brent with £30,300 per annum on average last year.

Westminster workers had the highest earnings - £88,900 pa - followed by people in Camden with £62,200 on average.

Margaret Hodge, the MP for Barking, said: “These figures confirm what we know and reflect the different opportunities that exist across the capital.

“We need to give everyone, especially our young people, the best possible opportunities to get the education, training and skills they need to get on.

“We also need to attract more businesses to the borough. They in turn will bring more jobs.”

Separate figures published by the Land Registry show that Barking and Dagenham is the cheapest borough for property buyers as homes cost £209,300 on average in May, compared to more than £1million in Kensington and Chelsea.

But the GMB questioned whether Barking and Dagenham was a cheap borough overall in particular given the price of privately rented accommodation.

Mr Powell added: “I am not convinced Barking and Dagenham is cheaper.

“If you’re in a rent trap it makes no difference at all as far as we are concerned.”