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Minimum wage of at least £10 and an end to rip-off youth rates – Usdaw members give evidence to the Low Pay Commission in Manchester

Date: 04 August 2021 Usdaw members are set to give evidence to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) on minimum wage rates in Manchester today. The LPC’s annual consultation includes hearings around the country and will help shape the recommendations they will make to the Government this autumn on the 2022 minimum wage rates.
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “We very much welcome the opportunity for a few of our members to speak directly to commissioners about living on or near minimum wage rates. At the beginning of the current consultation in June this year, Usdaw provided evidence of why we need a new deal for workers that includes at least £10 per hour, an end to youth rates and more secure employment.
 
“The impact of the coronavirus crisis continues to be felt across our economy and society. Workers in retail, distribution and many other low-paid industries have shown just how vital they are to keeping the UK economy going during a time of extreme pressure. As we emerge from the pandemic, these key workers must not be forgotten and it can only be right that their contribution is recognised with a wage they can live on.
 
“The National Living Wage should be increased at least in line with the planned target to reach 66% of median earnings by 2024. Usdaw continues to campaign for an immediate National Living Wage of at least £10 per hour for all workers, regardless of age, so youth rates are abolished as soon as possible. If you’re old enough to do the job, you’re old enough to be paid the rate for the job.
 
“As the country tries to recover from the pandemic we need a new deal for workers that includes a minimum wage of at least £10 per hour, more secure contracts and an end to rip-off youth pay. The best way to thank key workers is to ensure decent pay and fairness at work.”
 
Usdaw’s New Deal for Workers calls for:
  • A minimum wage of at least £10 per hour for all workers, ending rip-off youth rates and providing a living wage.
  • Minimum contract of 16 hours per week, for everyone who wants it, that reflects normal hours worked and a ban on zero-hour contracts.
  • Better sick pay for all workers, from day one, at average earnings.
  • Protection at work – respect for shopworkers, abuse is not a part of the job.
  • A proper social security system, Universal Credit does not provide a safety net.
  • Job security, with day one employment rights for unfair dismissal and redundancy.
  • Fair treatment and equality for all workers, including equal pay.
  • A voice at work, stop rogue employers refusing to engage with trade unions and end ‘fire and rehire’. 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 380,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
 
Usdaw’s written submission to the LPC: www.usdaw.org.uk/LPC2021
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion

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