One in five paid below Living Wage

One in five workers in the UK – some 4.82 million people – are paid less than the ‘Living Wage’, new research from accountancy firm KPMG shows today.

KPMG says over four in ten low paid workers say that their finances are worse now than they were just one month ago.

The Living Wage is a voluntary rate of pay that some employers give their staff, designed to enable workers to afford a basic standard of living. The rate is currently £8.30 an hour in London and £7.20 outside. This compares to the national minimum wage rate of £6.19 an hour.

The research indicates that since 2001, the Living Wage campaign has positively impacted over 10,000 employees and their families, and redistributed over £96 million to some of the lowest paid workers in the UK.

The research, commissioned by KPMG from Markit, reveals that Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of people earning below the Living Wage at 24 percent, followed by Wales at 23 percent. The lowest proportion of sub-Living Wage earners is in London and the South East, both at 16 percent. However, by number of people rather than proportion, London, the North West and the South East are the most affected areas.

By job type, the research indicates that the activities with the highest proportion of workers paid below the Living Wage are bar staff (90 percent) and waiters/waitresses (85 percent) – though by number of workers the most affected people are sales and retail assistants.

KPMG’s research shows that, whilst financial confidence is generally low across the whole survey population regardless of income, it is especially pronounced among those who earn less than the Living Wage.

– 41 percent of those earning less than the Living Wage feel that their finances are in a worse condition now than a month ago (compared to 25 percent of those earning above)

– Nearly half (46 percent) say their appetite for major purchases has gone down in the last month (compared to 32 percent of those earning above)

– 38 percent say that they have poorer cash availability now than a month ago (compared to 27 percent of those earning above)

– Nearly half (47 percent) expect their finances to be in a worse condition in a year’s time than now (slightly more than the 43 percent of those earning above)

– Nearly a quarter (23 percent) feel that their job security has got worse (compared to 16 percent of those earning above)

Marianne Fallon, Head of Corporate Affairs at KPMG, said: “This research really lays bare the extent of the problem of low pay in Britain. Times are difficult for many people, but of course those on the lowest pay are suffering the most. Paying a Living Wage makes a huge difference to the individuals and their families and yet does not actually cost an employer much more. At KPMG, we have found that the improved motivation and performance, and the lower leaver and absentee rate amongst staff in receipt of a Living Wage means that the cost is offset and paying it is the right thing for our business.

“With Living Wage Week fast approaching, we would urge more big employers to consider paying their staff a wage that means they can afford a socially acceptable quality of life. We think it is the responsible thing to do.

“Tackling in-work poverty is also vital if we are to enable more people to improve their life prospects and increase social mobility in this country.”

Rhys Moore, director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “Paying a Living Wage makes a huge difference to the quality of life of thousands of cleaners, caterers and security staff across the country. It is really encouraging to see nearly 100 organisations now signed up and accredited. But that still leaves many more organisations that aren’t. We hope that Living Wage Week will create real momentum and that many more employers will sign up.”

• Vote  
• 0
• 0
• You already voted!

• Tags:
• Money and Finance