Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, is demanding the UK Tory Government implements Labour’s plan for a Real Living Wage for every adult worker.
Labour’s plan would keep a link to median earnings so that all workers benefit from growth and ensure this genuine National Living Wage applied to every adult worker.
From April 2016, the UK Tory Government introduced a marginally increased minimum wage rate for all staff over 25 – calling it the ‘National Living Wage’. This wage is not calculated according to what employers and their families need to live, however. Instead, it is based on a target to reach 66% of median earnings by 2024. As of April 2022, the National Living Wage is £9.50 for all over 23s, while the National Minimum Wage is £9.18 for those aged 21-22 and just £6.83 for those aged 18-20. This is leaving young adult workers getting a raw deal on pay.
More than a decade with no pay growth has left workers financially vulnerable. A UK Labour Government in power will change the Low Pay Commission’s remit so that – longside median wages and economic conditions – the minimum wage will for the first time reflect the need for working people’s pay to at least cover the cost of living.
Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, said:
“As the cost of living rises, working people’s pay is being squeezed. Families are struggling so much right now whilst the Prime Minister is sitting pretty on his second holiday this month. It’s only right that Ogmore residents receive a fair wage for a day’s work, not a fake living wage they can’t actually live on.
Around 5 million workers are currently paid below the Real Living Wage. A UK Labour Government will make work pay again with a new plan for a genuine real living wage for every adult worker, whilst strengthening individual and collective rights for working people.
This will make our economy both high-growth and high-wage. Working people in Ogmore deserve good jobs and fair pay. Only a UK Labour Government will provide this. Finally the National Living Wage will live up to its name.”