Usdaw welcomes a near 5% increase and calls for a substantial uprating of statutory rates

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “The new real Living Wage rates are a welcome boost for the lowest-paid workers. On taking power, Labour changed the remit of the Low Pay Commission, so that they take account of the cost of living and work towards ending rip-off youth rates. We call on the Government to again announce substantial increases in statutory rates to help close the gap with the real Living Wage.

“Labour is delivering the new deal for workers that Usdaw long campaigned for. If delivered in full, the Employment Rights Act will help secure economic growth by improving productivity and stop rogue employers undercutting those who treat their staff properly, while giving workers security, respect and the decency of an income they can live on.

“Alongside hourly rates, security of hours every week are crucial to providing an income that meets the cost of living. So we are looking to the Government to ensure that the right to a guaranteed hours contract applies to every worker, as promised in Labour’s manifesto. It is only right that the hours normally worked are in the contract.

“This is the 25th year of the Living Wage campaign and it has made an immense contribution in helping to end the scourge of poverty pay. Through our negotiations with employers, as well as our minimum wage campaigning, the fight for a real living wage for all workers continues to be a key priority for Usdaw.”