by constructaquote - 21 June 2016
The cost of living has been on a stark upward turn since the recession. More and more people are struggling to make ends meet – it’s clear that Britain needs a pay rise.
But despite this, there are currently more than 5.2 million people earning less than they need with many families struggling to afford the basics, according to KPMG.
Last week the minimum wage increased by 19p to £6.50 but this has been heavily criticised as not going far enough, with many quarters saying low paid workers will still struggle to achieve a satisfactory standard of living.
Unite the Union national officer for local government, Fiona Farmer, said: “The UK is the seventh richest country in the world – we can do much better as a nation to help the low paid.”
Encouraging businesses to offer a ‘Living Wage’
Those who are currently among Britain’s lowest paid workers are unlikely to see a significant change in their current financial circumstances, despite working a full-time job.
KPMG’s, Head of Living Wage, Mike Kelly, said: “More than nine-hundred organisations have recognised that employing staff stuck in the working poverty trap is bad for business.
“The focus should not be on what the minimum wage is that companies can get away with, but on how they can afford to pay staff enough to live on. We have seen the benefits of paying a Living Wage in terms of lower staff turnover and increased productivity.
“Put simply, it means moderate investment for maximum return.”
£6.50 per hour is nothing to celebrate
The Low Pay Commission estimates that between 1.1 and 1.3 million adults will ‘benefit’ from the rise in the national minimum wage – this is only a fraction of the 5.2 million people who are currently failing to meet a living standard.
TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady said: “It is good news to see that the worst paid adult workers receiving a pay release above inflation for the first time in six years.
“But it’s a muted celebration because the minimum wage would be worth at least £7 today had it kept up with rising prices.
“Politicians from all parties and many business leaders now agree that the minimum wage should increase far more rapidly.
“Britain needs a pay rise and a wages-led recovery is the best chance we have of sustaining economic growth and restoring living standards.”
by Charlotte Houghton - 7 October 2020
by constructaquote - 6 October 2020
by Charlotte Houghton - 29 September 2020
by Charlotte Houghton - 24 September 2020
