The wage debate: Campaigner for Living Wage Alex Cunningham MP advertises for low-paid work

The MP Alex Cunningham has been criticised for advertising a job which pays just £3.38 per hour.

Despite campaigning for a "Living Wage" - which equates to around £7.65 an hour for the lowest paid workers - the Labour MP for Stockton North is looking for an apprentice who'll be given £125 per week.

The wage is above the minimum level set for an apprentices - currently £2.68 per hour - but Mr Cunningham has been accused of hypocrisy.

Tweeting about the issue the MP said: "Been getting knocked about for salary 2 be paid to new apprentice - I'd love to pay more but can't and staff pay frozen"

As early as 2011 Alex Cunningham was campaigning for those on the minimum wage to be 'upgraded' to the living wage stating in a press release:

"The Living Wage makes sense not only for the millions of people on poverty pay but also for businesses who would benefit from better staff retention and less absenteeism through illness.

On Friday the MP admitted his current job advertisement raised a difficult question for him, asking his followers on Twitter: "Got a view - if I can't pay an apprentice the living wage of £7+ an hour should I ditch the idea of giving a young person a training chance?"

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