Shopworkers’ union steps up demands for rise in minimum wage to £10 rate

THE shopworkers’ union is stepping up its campaign for a minimum wage of £10-an-hour.

Usdaw submitted evidence to the Low Pay Commission on minimum wage rates, ahead of a recommendation later this year to the Government on rates for 2022.

General secretary Paddy Lillis said: “We are providing the Low Pay Commission with 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, even as we emerge from the current restrictions.

“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 per cent of median earnings by 2024.”

Mr Lillis said there should be a National Living Wage of at least £10 per hour for all workers, regardless of age, adding: “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 fairness at work.”

The move comes after Premier Inn staff staged protests in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Thursday, asking to be paid the living wage of £10.85 in London and £9.50 across the rest of the UK.

The socially distanced protests took place at Premier Inns in Glasgow, London, Belfast, Tenby and Aberystwyth, the same day as parent company Whitbread held its annual general meeting.