More than half of Londoners earning below the capital’s “real living wage” have turned to food banks in the past year, highlighting the urgent need for better financial support and wage reforms.
A recent survey commissioned by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF) reveals that 574,000 workers in London, earning less than £13.15 an hour, are struggling to meet basic living costs.
Conducted by Survation, the survey found that 23% of the city’s lowest-paid workers visit a food bank at least once a week, while 28% reported using food banks at least once during the year.
The report paints a stark picture of financial instability among those earning less than the real living wage, which is designed to reflect the true cost of living in London.
In addition to food bank reliance, the survey uncovered alarming trends in food security and overall well-being among low-wage workers.
A significant 36% admitted to regularly skipping meals due to financial constraints, and 45% expressed feeling worse off compared to the previous year.
The mental and physical health of these workers is also deteriorating, with over two-thirds indicating that their low wages are exacerbating anxiety levels.
Furthermore, 66% reported that their quality of sleep has suffered, and 57% stated that their physical health has been adversely affected.
Emily Hodgson, head of partnerships and campaigns at the LWF, emphasized the ongoing struggles faced by low-paid workers, stating, “As inflation eases, it’s important to remember that low-paid Londoners continue to face the brunt of persistent high prices. Our findings highlight the detrimental impact this continues to have on their mental and physical health.”
The LWF’s findings stand in stark contrast to the government’s National Living Wage, which is currently set at £11.44 for workers aged 21 and over and lower for those aged between 18 and 21. The “real living wage,” calculated by the Resolution Foundation, aims to provide a minimum standard of living based on essential household goods and services.
In response to the report, a government spokesperson acknowledged the severity of the situation, declaring that the widespread reliance on food banks is “unacceptable.”
The government has pledged to implement changes to ensure that more money reaches working individuals, especially younger workers.
“We believe a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay,” the spokesperson stated, outlining the government’s “Make Work Pay” plans in collaboration with businesses.
However, critics argue that the government’s response does not go far enough to alleviate the immediate challenges faced by low-wage workers.
Many are calling for urgent reforms to wage structures and enhanced support systems to address the rising cost of living and its impact on vulnerable populations.
As the economic landscape continues to evolve, the need for a concerted effort to support low-wage workers in London has never been more critical.
The findings of this survey not only highlight the struggles faced by thousands but also serve as a call to action for policymakers, businesses, and society to ensure that all workers can earn a living wage and secure their basic needs.
