Menu
12/10/2015
Union Calls For £10 An Hour 'Living Wage'
The axe to working tax credits will inflict further financial hardship to those working in the six million jobs in the UK paying less than the 'living wage', according to Unite the union.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the proportion of jobs paying less than the 'living wage' outside London rose from 21% to 23% between April 2012 and April 2014. The figure for the capital rose by 6% to 19%.
Unite assistant general secretary, Steve Turner, said: "This is a double whammy, not only are bosses failing to pay the 'living wage', but these workers are the very people who will be hit by the savage cuts to the working tax credits.
"Three million low-waged families could lose £1,000-a-year or, in some cases, up to £1,700 when the cuts to the tax credits come into force next April.
"The dismal failure of employers to pay the 'living wage' disproportionately hits those in low-paid, insecure work and also women.
"Ministers are allowing the drawbridge to be drawn up against the low-paid getting a proper wage and condemning millions to a life of grinding poverty, where putting food on the table is a daily struggle.
"The current rate for the 'living wage' is £7.85 an hour outside London and £9.15 in the capital, so you can see the phoney national living wage of £7.20, coming into force for the over 25-year-olds next April, is already inadequate in providing a decent income.
"The 'living wage', which is voluntary, needs to be made compulsory and should be £10 an hour – and Britain's companies, with strong cash reserves, can well afford to pay it."
(CD/JP)
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the proportion of jobs paying less than the 'living wage' outside London rose from 21% to 23% between April 2012 and April 2014. The figure for the capital rose by 6% to 19%.
Unite assistant general secretary, Steve Turner, said: "This is a double whammy, not only are bosses failing to pay the 'living wage', but these workers are the very people who will be hit by the savage cuts to the working tax credits.
"Three million low-waged families could lose £1,000-a-year or, in some cases, up to £1,700 when the cuts to the tax credits come into force next April.
"The dismal failure of employers to pay the 'living wage' disproportionately hits those in low-paid, insecure work and also women.
"Ministers are allowing the drawbridge to be drawn up against the low-paid getting a proper wage and condemning millions to a life of grinding poverty, where putting food on the table is a daily struggle.
"The current rate for the 'living wage' is £7.85 an hour outside London and £9.15 in the capital, so you can see the phoney national living wage of £7.20, coming into force for the over 25-year-olds next April, is already inadequate in providing a decent income.
"The 'living wage', which is voluntary, needs to be made compulsory and should be £10 an hour – and Britain's companies, with strong cash reserves, can well afford to pay it."
(CD/JP)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 January 2017
Living Wage Campaign Launched By Labour Youth
Labour Youth has announced the launch of its Living 2019 campaign, which aims to encourage all employers to pay the living wage. Set by the Living Wage Technical Group, the living wage is considered to be the minimum a full time worker needs to earn to cover basic living expenses.
Living Wage Campaign Launched By Labour Youth
Labour Youth has announced the launch of its Living 2019 campaign, which aims to encourage all employers to pay the living wage. Set by the Living Wage Technical Group, the living wage is considered to be the minimum a full time worker needs to earn to cover basic living expenses.
24 June 2014
Living Wage Commission Exposes In-Work Poverty
Unite the union has renewed calls for an immediate increase to the national minimum wage to tackle in-work poverty, following the publication of the Living Wage Commission's findings.
Living Wage Commission Exposes In-Work Poverty
Unite the union has renewed calls for an immediate increase to the national minimum wage to tackle in-work poverty, following the publication of the Living Wage Commission's findings.
04 October 2012
Workers A Quarter Of The Way Through Wage Dip, Says TUC
Workers are only a quarter of the way through 12-year wage dive, according to the TUC. Workers will have to wait another nine years to get back to the level of income they enjoyed in 2009, during which time they'll have lost an average of £8,500 in real terms wage losses, according to a TUC analysis of wage trends published today (Thursday).
Workers A Quarter Of The Way Through Wage Dip, Says TUC
Workers are only a quarter of the way through 12-year wage dive, according to the TUC. Workers will have to wait another nine years to get back to the level of income they enjoyed in 2009, during which time they'll have lost an average of £8,500 in real terms wage losses, according to a TUC analysis of wage trends published today (Thursday).
05 July 2016
Ealing Traffic Wardens To Strike To Secure London Living Wage
Ealing traffic wardens who are members of Unite, the union, will be striking for a second day today, 05 July, as part of a 72 hour walk-out in a bid to secure the London living wage and end a two tier workforce.
Ealing Traffic Wardens To Strike To Secure London Living Wage
Ealing traffic wardens who are members of Unite, the union, will be striking for a second day today, 05 July, as part of a 72 hour walk-out in a bid to secure the London living wage and end a two tier workforce.
24 May 2016
Strike Action Ballot Opens At Pizza Factory In Nottingham
Workers at the 2 Sisters owned Pizza Factory in Nottingham started voting on Monday, 23 May, over possible strike action in a dispute over an outstanding pay claim for 2015.
Strike Action Ballot Opens At Pizza Factory In Nottingham
Workers at the 2 Sisters owned Pizza Factory in Nottingham started voting on Monday, 23 May, over possible strike action in a dispute over an outstanding pay claim for 2015.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
