Unions calling for action over 'two pandemics'
Union bosses are urging the Government to tackle a huge "class divide" exposed by the pandemic.
The Trades Union Council (TUC) say low paid workers are bearing the brunt of the impact of the virus crisis and urgent action is needed to tackle "a tale of two pandemics."
The TUC say low-income workers have had little or no option to work from home, no or low sick pay and reduced living standards.
W hile better-off workers have enjoyed greater flexibility, financial stability and increased spending power.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s annual TUC Congress, TUC general secretary, Frances O'Grady, said the Government had been talking about its levelling up agenda, but asked: "Where's the action?"
She said: "It is nothing if we don't tackle living standards, increase sick pay and improve working conditions.
"People want action. If the Government really wants to improve local economies, it should do something about ending low pay."
The TUC is calling for a permanent short-time, working scheme to replace the furlough programme when it ends on September 30, amid fears of an increase in unemployment in sectors such as the arts and culture, food and hospitality.
Research by the TUC suggested that low-paid workers – those earning less than £15,000 – are almost twice as likely as high-paid workers – those earning more than £50,000 – to say they have cut back on spending since the pandemic began.
High earners are also more than three times more likely to expect to receive a pay rise in the next 12 months, said the report.