Commenting on the announcement today (Monday) that the real living wage is to increase nationally to £9.30 an hour and to £10.75 in London, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“The lowest paid people in public services are still earning below the real living wage as these increases take effect. That’s why it’s important the next government ensures that any promises to spend more on services also include proper investment in the staff who provide them.
“Years of austerity have left many struggling to pay the bills, whether in schools, councils or police forces. Thousands of care staff and health workers employed by private contractors also deserve to be paid a living wage.”
Notes to editors
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
