national statistics. after adjusting for inflation, pay fell overall by 2.7%, close to the biggest drop previously recorded. the figures also showed unemployment has risen slightly. our economic correspondent aaron duverne mike andy verity reports. across the country private employers like this environmentally friendly coffee chain are given the biggest pay rises in years. here they have boosted pay by 5% on their offering grants and loans to help staff cope with the soaring cost of living. i think going into this year, having registered with covid, it was really quite a nervous time. do i dare take metre readings cos that sort of thing. that sort of pay rise has just lightened the load a bit in midfield but were comfortable. lctrsl’ith midfield but were comfortable. with unemployment midfield but were comfortable. with unemployment at 3.6%, private sector wages are up by an average of 6.6% as business owners compete with each other to attract and retain staff they need. and of