Poverty pay on the rise in UK, warns TUC

date: 29 October 2015

embargo: 00:01hrs 01 November 2015

Poverty pay on the rise in UK, warns TUC

Commenting on research published today (Sunday) by KPMG, which shows that nearly six million workers are paid below the Living Wage, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Ministers have talked a great deal about making work pay. But try telling that to the six million low-paid workers who earn less than the Living Wage.

“In-work poverty is soaring in the UK. In London alone it has increased by 70 per cent over the last decade.

“Instead of slashing tax credits for the working poor – which will leave many low earners in even worse dire straits – the Chancellor should be encouraging more employers to pay the real Living Wage.

“Research has shown again and again that adopting this standard boosts staff productivity. And along with vital in-work benefits it enables workers to earn just enough to live a decent life.”

Daisy Bata, a former cinema worker and BECTU member who went on strike for a living wage, said:

“I was earning less than the living wage at a London cinema. You simply don't get enough to cover your costs of living. You're trapped in poverty, with constant financial stress and worries.

“Like many young people, I used to think that living on low wages was something I had to put up with. But by taking strike action with my co-workers we eventually won a pay rise.

“I don’t understand why the government is threatening our right to strike with this Trade Union Bill. It was the last resort my co-workers and I had to get fair pay.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
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Contacts:

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