Full-time workers in Watford had higher earnings than the average Brit, new figures show.

It comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled her first Budget this week, in which she raised taxes to a historic level, sent borrowing soaring, and increased spending to boost growth and repair public services.

Ms Reeves vowed to "protect workers", and did not raise national insurance, VAT or income tax for employees.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show full-time employees in Watford earned £42,786 annually as of April – a 10.5% rise on the year before.

Across Great Britain, the average full-time worker earned £37,521, meaning Watford employees earned more than the average across the country.

In the East of England, the average wage was £39,065.

While there were no direct tax rises on employees, the first female Chancellor admitted a rise in employers' national insurance could be passed on to workers.

National insurance contributions from employers will rise from 13.8% to 15% in April, while the threshold will drop from £9,100 annually to £5,000.

The tax rise is expected to be around £25 billion per year, although experts have warned much of this will be passed onto working people.