The UK’s lowest-paid workers are more than twice as likely to have lost their jobs in the coronavirus pandemic than higher-paid employees, according to a study by the Institute of Employment Studies (IES).
The report — based on findings from workshops and interviews with stakeholders involved in research, advocacy, and public policy on low pay, as well as 40 low-paid workers — states that losses have been driven by falls in lower-paying jobs. The study reveals one in 20 low-paid workers had lost their job in each quarter since the pandemic struck – equivalent to 250,000 workers across Britain – compared with one in 50 of those on higher wages. The study defined low pay as less than £9.50 an hour, and £10.85 an hour in London.
The report also shows that many were slipping through cracks in the government’s emergency support schemes such as furlough. It said low-paid workers reported being denied furlough, having their hours cut, being expected to work without adequate protection, and seeing their living costs increase while their incomes fell in many cases.
The report calls on the government to provide better support for low-paid workers during the pandemic and for statutory sick pay to be increased to at least £200 a week, more than double the current £95.85. Tony Wilson, the institute’s director, said: “This [report] shows the unequal nature of the pandemic. With unemployment set to rise sharply this year, we are likely still in the foothills of the employment crisis, but it has already taken a significant toll on low-paid workers. We can take action now and at the budget to address this. Looking further ahead, we need to plan for the recovery and ensure that we put full employment and decent work at the heart of it.”
Source: The Guardian, 22 January 2021
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