Retail trade union gives evidence to Low Pay Commission for better minimum wage

Retail trade union Usdaw has provided written evidence to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) on minimum wage rates, calling for calls for at least £12 per hour, as a step towards £15 for all workers, thereby ending rip-off youth rates.

The LPC’s annual call for evidence will help shape the recommendations they will make to the Government this autumn about the new minimum wage rates, which are expected to come into force on 1 April 2024.

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says that Britain desperately needs a pay rise.

"Now, with inflation remaining in double figures for over a year, many workers are reaching breaking point. We have provided the Low Pay Commission with evidence of why we need a new deal for workers that provides the highest possible increase to the minimum wage and more secure employment.

“We are calling on the Low Pay Commission to be ambitious with their recommendation. Workers have faced a ‘perfect storm’ of price rises across a range of essentials, including food and fuel, which impacts every household. Regardless of whether inflation starts to drop, there is no sign of the pressure on working people easing, as wages continue to lag behind inflation, dragging living standards down. Lower income households in particular are vulnerable to price changes and this should be a consideration over and above headline inflation rates.

“Usdaw’s response to the Low Pay Commission’s consultation on next year’s minimum wage rates calls for at least £12 per hour as a step towards £15 for all workers, ending rip-off youth rates. If you’re old enough to do the job, you’re old enough to be paid the rate for the job. We are also looking to the LPC to press the Government to act against one-sided flexibility, by reiterating their previous recommendation for workers to have the right to switch to a contract reflecting hours worked.”

Usdaw’s call for a New Deal for Workers includes minimum wage of at least £12 per hour immediately, as a step towards £15 for all workers, ending rip-off youth rates, minimum contract of 16 hours per week, better sick pay for all workers, protection at work, proper social security system, job security, fair treatment and equality for all workers and voice at work.