With 23% of workers in Wales not earning enough, TCC urgers North Wales Councils to adopt the Living Wage.
TCC leaders meet with the deputy leader of Wrexham Council. From left to right: Maria Pizzoni, Eulina Harper, Cllr Mark Pritchard, Gareth Davies Jones.
A study released today by KMPG shows that one in five British workers receive less than the Living Wage, but this figure rises to nearly one in four in Wales.
The minimum wage currently stands at £6.19 an hour, compared to the Living Wage rate of £7.20 an hour. This has been calculated as enough to afford the cost of living in the UK.
TCC has been campaigning for a Living Wage for several years, and just last week met with Wrexham Council on the issue.
“Councils in South Wales have already adopted the Living Wage, so we are asking ‘Why not in North Wales?’” said lead organiser for TCC, Kay Polley.
“It may seem like the wrong time to ask for pay increases, but we believe that it is wrong that people in Wales can be working a 40 hour week and still be living in poverty.
“Many employers have found that the cost of paying the Living Wage has been offset by decreased absenteeism, lower staff turnover, and increased productivity. For some it has actually been cost neutral, and they have a much more stable and happier workforce, as well as reputation for being an ethical employer.
“Our meeting with Wrexham Council was very positive, so we hope they will be leading the way for North Wales, and will soon be paying all their employees a Living Wage.”
TCC is also working with local businesses, showing the benefits to becoming a Living Wage employer, and are urging employers who may be interested to get in touch.
