Commenting on the announcement today (Thursday) that the Living Wage Foundation has brought forward a rise in its hourly rates, with a £1 increase to £10.90 across the UK and by 90p to £11.95 in London, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Low-paid workers are crying out for help. The government must follow the Foundation’s lead and bring forward an increase to the national minimum wage without delay. Waiting until April would be foolish.
“But ministers should go even further. Ensuring everyone is paid at least £15 an hour would be a lifeline for millions barely coping with eyewatering household costs.
“Rather than boosting bankers’ bonuses, the government should concentrate on those feeling genuine financial pain.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Garfield Myrie M: 07950 116356 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk