The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the government to increase the
National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates 'immediately' in order to guarantee decent
living standards for families.
Research carried out by the TUC found that UK poverty levels are 'likely to get
worse' if ministers continue to hold down pay. Additional financial support for
families announced by the Treasury this year will be offset by cuts to
real-terms pay and other living costs, the business group added.
The TUC has called for key workers to be given a fair pay rise to meet the costs
of living; more funding for the public sector so that all outsourced workers are
paid at least the real Living Wage; and a boost in Universal Credit to 80% of
the Real Living Wage.
Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, said:
'Every worker should be able to afford a decent standard of living. But
millions of low-paid workers live wage packet to wage packet, struggling to
get by – and they are now being pushed to the brink by eye-watering bills
and soaring prices.
'For too long workers have been told that businesses can't afford to pay them
more. But again and again the evidence has shown that firms are still making
profits and increasing jobs – we can afford higher wages.
'And higher wages are good for the economy – more money in the pockets of
working people means more spend on our high streets.
'It's time to put an end to low-pay Britain. Let's get wages rising in every
corner of the country and get on the pathway to a £15 per hour minimum
wage.'
Internet link: TUC website