Foodbank heartache as two in five lowest-paid workers forced to rely on handouts

27 September 2023 , 23:01

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Foodbanks are braced for a surge in demand over winter (Image: PA)

Two out of five workers earning less than the Real Living Wage were forced to use a foodbank in the last month, a study reveals today.

A report by the Living Wage Foundation found Britain’s lowest paid continue to suffer as the cost-of-living crisis bites. A poll showed 60% of grafters on less than the voluntary rate analysts believe is needed for a decent living standard used a foodbank in the last year, 39% regularly skipped meals and the same percentage fell behind on household bills.

More than 3.5 million workers earn below the Real Living Wage, which is currently £10.90 an hour in the UK and £11.95 in London. In contrast, the Government’s legal minimum is £10.42 for workers aged 23 and over; £10.18 for those aged 21 and 22; or £7.49 for 18-20 year olds.

Living Wage Foundation director Katherine Chapman said: “After more than a year of record price rises we are finally starting to see inflation ease. But today’s research shows that the cost-of-living crisis is far from over, especially for the 3.5 million workers who are paid less than the Real Living Wage. With over half of those on low pay even worse off than a year ago, three in five visiting foodbanks and two in five regularly skipping meals, more needs to be done to protect the lowest-paid workers.”

Simon Fann, manager of Truro Foodbank, Cornwall, said: “We see day in, day out the pressure that rising prices is putting on workers and their families every day We also know that the pressure isn’t easing - we are busier now than this time last year and we’re also seeing an increase in visitors who are in work but aren’t paid a decent wage. Earning the Real Living Wage is a foundation of a decent life; it’s simply not right that so many people are in work and unable to pay for essentials like food, rent and energy.”

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Latest figures show inflation fell to 6.7% in July - down from its 11.1% peak last October. However, the rate of inflation in prices of food and drink was 13.6% in August Survation questioned 2,010 adults who earn less than the Real Living Wage, between August 21 and September 4.

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Ben Glaze