Expert view: We need urgent action on workers’ economic security
As a new government settles into Westminster, there’s an opportunity for us to take stock of the UK’s labour market, our aspirations for it – and where we need to see urgent action to ensure workers across the UK feel economically secure.
UK success stories over recent decades have included a rising minimum wage and more people entering work. More than 15,000 employers now pay the voluntary Real Living Wage.
But at the same time too many workers face insecurity, while the UK’s in-work poverty rates have crept upwards.
Analysis of the latest data finds 12% of UK workers are experiencing in-work poverty. Research from the Living Wage Foundation in 2023 found that 60% of low-paid workers had used a food bank in the past year.
Of course, other factors – such as the cost of living, housing costs and social security– have a role to play in households feeling economically secure. But jobs are an essential part of the picture, and employers have a fundamental role to play in tackling in-work poverty.
JRF’s own work on tackling in-work poverty found that ‘good work’ must include providing fair pay, security and flexibility – and crucially, being treated with dignity and respect.
The government has promised significant changes in employment legislation, but there is still an urgent need for employers to lead the way through voluntary action – and a huge opportunity to make a difference for workers by doing so.
