The Joseph Rowntree Foundation considers…
They estimate that one third of families earn less than they need for a decent standard of living. That means some of the things so many of us take for granted are "Luxury" items for them. That means a juggle between supermarket own brand items and food banks. Between having a proper meal each day and paying the rent. Between your supper and the kids going to bed hungry…
So how much IS the living wage?
As of the first week in November 2016 it is £8.45 an hour outside London, and £9.75 inside.
Many Companies stand up to be counted. One said
"We are proud pay a real Living Wage - higher than the published rate"
Because as well as good for people at work, paying a Living Wage is good for business too.
Employers tell us that it
- Cuts absenteeism and raises standards
- Improves productivity and the morale of working teams
- Leads to a better quality product and higher customer satisfaction.
So its a winner, Yes?
Well… the Jury may be out, because - according to KPMG - over SIX MILLION people in the UK still earn less than even the old rate.
But the living wage is good for society too, isn't it.
Some of the benefits found by the Living Wage Foundation are obvious - One of their respondents highlighted better health, and improved self respect. Another pointed out that there was no longer a need to juggle several part time jobs just to keep a roof over the family's head and food on the table. One happy interviewee pointed out the improved family life, as the levels of stress went down, and the time she could spend with her family went up.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation summed up one other saving...
£1 in every £5 spent on public services is spent making up for the way poverty damages peoples' lives.
At the end of the day, as food prices rise and rents escalate, the Living Wage may be the step that keeps your family in a home.
You can find out more about the Living Wage on Twitter
from @LivingWageUK
and see the work of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
at @jrf_uk
At Beanies Masato we sell warm hats, scarves and sturdy duffle bags to visitors to our webpage. And then we work with outreach partners to get a similar item to the homeless on the street.
You can find us on this link:
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