Wages up, Jobs down

Workers in East Sussex have received an average 4.6% wage increase over the past 12 months to July, according to news wire platform Wagesight. Median gross pay across the county is now £2,483 per month, up £109 in cash terms.

The rise compares with an official inflation rate of 2.9%, meaning that those in work should on average have an extra £40 to spend per month in real terms.

Less welcome is the news that payrolled employment has declined over the same period – there are 300 fewer jobs in East Sussex than a year ago.

Camber Drowning

An 18-year-old man drowned off Camber Sands beach on the evening of Sunday 9 August. Two other teenagers, aged 18 and 16, were brought ashore safely. All three were known to each other and are understood to have travelled to Camber together from London.

HM Coastguard Rescue teams from Rye Bay and Romney Marsh, the Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, a Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter and South East Coast Ambulance were all involved in the emergency search and rescue operation.

Sussex Police say there were no suspicious circumstances but there will be a coroner’s inquest.