One-fifth are not paid a living wage

UK Political Correspondent

Monday 29 October 2012

NEARLY one in five Scots earns less than the living wage, a new report today warns.

Custom byline text:

Kate Devlin UK Political Correspondent

Unions denounced the figures as shocking and warned low-paid workers face tough choices on everyday items such as heating.

Experts believe it takes wages of £7.20 an hour – or £8.30 an hour in London – to have a decent standard of living. The national minimum wage is £6.19 an hour.

Across the UK, those in the hospitality industry were the worst affected, with 90% of bar staff earning below the living wage along with 85% of waiters and waitresses.The report by accountants KPMG found Northern Ireland has the highest proportion at 24%, followed by Wales at 23%. In Scotland that figure was 18% while the lowest proportion was in London and the south east England, both at 16%.TUC general secretary designate Frances O'Grady said: "It is shocking that in this day and age one in five workers is still earning less than is needed to maintain a decent standard of living."The living wage is not a luxury and means low-paid workers don't have to make tough choices over whether they can afford the everyday things most of us take for granted, such as their fuel bill or a winter coat for their children."Marianne Fallon, of 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."The research looked at the hours and salaries of around 190,000 people.

Contextual targeting label:

Finance

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.

Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.

One-fifth are not paid a living wage

Commenting & Moderation

MOST READ

SPONSORED LINKS

MOST COMMENTED