More than half of the nearly 600,000 Londoners who are not earning the “real living wage” have had to turn to food banks in the past year, according to a recent report. The survey, conducted by Survation, revealed that 23 percent of the lowest-paid workers in the capital visit food banks at least once a week, with an additional 28 percent seeking help at least once in the last year.
The Living Wage Foundation (LWF) commissioned this survey to shed light on the struggles faced by 574,000 Londoners who earn less than £13.15 per hour, which is considered the real living wage in the capital. This wage is determined by the Resolution Foundation to cover the cost of living in London based on a variety of essential goods and services. Businesses that voluntarily pay this wage aim to provide their employees with enough income to meet their daily needs.
The government, in response to the report’s findings, mentioned that they are working to increase the income of working individuals to address the concerning reliance on food banks across the country. The government’s national living wage is currently set at £11.44 per hour for individuals aged 21 and over, while those aged between 18 and 21 receive the minimum wage of £8.60 per hour.
The survey also revealed that 36 percent of low-paid Londoners have had to skip meals regularly due to financial constraints. Additionally, 45 percent reported being worse off compared to the previous year, with many experiencing increased anxiety levels, sleep disturbances, and declining physical health due to their low income.
Despite efforts made by some London employers to pay the real living wage, the report highlights a concerning trend of persistent low pay in the city. While London has historically had lower instances of low pay, recent data indicates a higher rate of jobs paying below the real living wage in the capital compared to the rest of the UK.
The Labour party has expressed its commitment to ensuring that the minimum wage aligns with the real living wage to better support low-income workers. The government, on the other hand, has emphasized the need to consider the impact on businesses and the economy when setting wage policies.
In conclusion, the report’s findings underscore the challenges faced by low-income Londoners and the urgent need for policies that promote fair wages and alleviate financial hardships. It is crucial for employers, government, and policymakers to work together to address the root causes of low pay and ensure that all workers can earn a wage that sustains a decent quality of life.