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TUC: Low pay is endemic in modern Britain

Commenting on the Living Wage Foundation figures which show that one in six workers are earning under the real Living Wage, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady yesterday said:  

“Every worker should be able to afford a decent standard of living.  

“But these new figures from the Living Wage Foundation show that low pay is endemic in modern Britain. Millions are in jobs that don’t pay the bills or put food on the table. 

“After eleven years of Conservative government, real wages are only just getting back to their 2009 level. And the Budget revealed we face another half decade of wage stagnation.  

“With Britain in the middle of a cost-of-living crunch, it’s time for the government to act. 

“Ministers must start by increasing the minimum wage to £10 immediately, banning zero hours contracts and giving trade unions greater access to workplaces to negotiate improved pay and conditions.  

“That‘s how we get wages rising for everyone.” 

Editors Note

  • The real Living Wage is an hourly rate of pay set independently and updated annually (not the UK government’s National Living Wage). It is calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK, and employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis.
  • According to the Living Wage Foundation’s research, 4.8 million workers are paid below the real Living Wage (one in six workers)
  • The UK Living Wage for outside of London from Monday 9th November is £9.90 per hour. The London Living Wage is £11.05 per hour. These figures are calculated annually by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission, based on the best available evidence on living standards in the UK and in London.
  • The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living. 

Contacts: 

TUC press office  
media@tuc.org.uk   
020 7467 1248

 

Original article link: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-low-pay-endemic-modern-britain

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