THE government is facing calls to boost job security and wages after shocking new research revealed that two in five low-paid workers have had to resort to foodbanks for support.
A Living Wage Foundation (LWF)-commissioned report published today exposes the harsh realities faced by workers earning less than the real living wage, calculated at £12 per hour nationwide, £13.15 in London.
Its survey of 2,000 low-paid workers found that two in five have used a foodbank in the past year, while one in three had skipped meals altogether to save money.
Reliance on foodbanks is especially high in the capital: 51 per cent of low-paid Londoners have used one in the past year and 23 per cent visit one at least once a week.
Among the regions, London made the least progress in eliminating low pay, with 574,000 (13.3 per cent) of jobs classified as low paid compared with 12.9 per cent nationwide.
The hospitality sector accounts for the highest share of low-wage jobs in the capital — 49 per cent — followed by wholesale and retail trade at 30 per cent.
Ethnic minority workers, those born outside Britain, women and workers aged 18 to 21 were found to be the worst off.
Across the country, low-paid workers were found to have little to no financial security: two in five said that they had less than £10 left each week after essential expenses.
LWF director Katherine Chapman said: “Today’s research highlights the stark reality facing millions of low-paid workers, who are treading water and struggling to afford life’s essentials.
“The real living wage is the only UK wage rate calculated solely on the cost of living and is a lifeline for workers and their families, enabling people to live, not just survive.”
Helen Barnard, of foodbank charity the Trussell Trust, said: “It’s shocking that work doesn’t provide the protection from hunger and hardship that everyone should be able to rely on.
“The UK government must make good on their promise to end the need for emergency food parcels by improving job security and wages.
“People with disabilities, single parents and carers are disproportionally more likely to need to turn to a foodbank, making increasing access to good quality and flexible work essential.”
Claire Atchia McMaster, director at financial charity Turn2us said: “When a third are skipping meals and two in five are relying on food banks, it’s clear our social security system is failing those who need it most.
“The upcoming budget provides a crucial opportunity for the government to turn the tide on falling living standards. With two in five workers left with less than £10 after essentials and many unable to heat their homes or keep up with bills, we urge policymakers to focus on urgent reforms to wages, universal credit and housing affordability.”
