Epsom and Ewell has been revealed as the second most expensive area in the south east to rent a two-bedroom property, a trade union has revealed.

The trade union GMB Southern has warned spiraling rent prices could cause staff shortages in the region if employers don’t respond with higher pay, as workers are priced out of the housing market.

Figures released by the union show tenants in the borough pay a median rent of £1,250 each month for a two-bedroom property, including houses, bungalows, flats and maisonettes.

This puts Epsom and Ewell in second place behind Guildford (£1,275), with Oxford, Runnymede and Elmbridge following closely behind at £1,200.

The lowest median rent for a two bedroom property was recorded in the Isle of Wight and Shepway at £600.

GMB regional secretary Paul Maloney said: "These figures show how rising house rental prices in London have spread into the commuter belt around London to places like Guildford.

"These high rents are here to stay. So too are younger workers living for longer in private sector rental accommodation.

"As a direct consequence, employers must be prepared to pay much higher wages to staff to enable them to afford these much higher rents.”

Mr Maloney added: "If employers don't respond with higher pay they will face staff shortages as workers, especially younger people, are priced out of housing market.”

The analysis was based on monthly rents recorded by the Valuation Office between April of last year and March 2018.