UNISON Northern Region is hosting its annual regional conference today, and launching a week of activity to campaign for a living wage with the slogan ‘I want to live not just exist’.
The region represents 81,000 public sector workers in local government, health, education, community and voluntary, energy, transport and police civilian staff.
UNISON’s regional convenor Clare Williams said, “Our living wage campaign is aimed at highlighting the impact that low pay has on both individuals and on the regional economy.
“KPMG estimates that 20% of workers are earning less than the living wage.
“This forces people into poverty. In this region, we are regularly seeing food banks being opened in towns, and many of our members are struggling financially.
“Research has shown that, for a family with two children, working a 40-hour week, they would have to earn £7.20 an hour. Those on the national minimum wage would have to work 48 hours a week to support their families.”
And Ms Williams observed that in the Northern region, “one in three children now live in poverty.
“In Teesside and South Tyneside, we have some of the worst areas of deprivation in the country. Earning a living wage will take families out of poverty, debt, stress and illness and improve family life.”
From an employer’s perspective, experience has shown that the increase in costs is less than might be first thought, as it leads to greater productivity, improved staff retention, lower recruitment and training costs, decreased absenteeism and a motivated workforce.
In terms of the regional economy, implementing a living wage would give workers greater spending power and therefore lead to money being put back into the local economy, safeguarding businesses and jobs.