Union Calls for Further Action to Narrow the Gap with Statutory Minimum Rates

  • 6.7% increase in real Living Wage
  • Living Wage Foundation announces new rates at £13.45 per hour UK, £14.80 in London
  • Usdaw calls for a clear path towards £15 per hour for all workers aged over 18
  • Employers urged to negotiate increases reflecting cost of living
  • Usdaw supports Labour’s Employment Rights Bill

The Retail Trade Union Usdaw has welcomed a 6.7% increase in the Real Living Wage, which will rise to £13.45 per hour across the UK and £14.80 in London. While supporting the uplift, the union urges the government to deliver a substantial increase in statutory minimum rates to close the gap with the Real Living Wage. Usdaw’s general secretary, Joanne Thomas, calls for a clear path towards £15 per hour for all workers aged over 18 and encourages employers to negotiate pay increases reflecting the cost of living. The union also supports Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, which aims to improve productivity and protect workers from undercutting employers.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the increase in the real Living Wage rates and quotes from Usdaw’s general secretary Joanne Thomas. It also mentions the union’s call for a substantial increase in statutory minimum rates and their support for the Employment Rights Bill. However, it lacks some details on the previous rates and does not include any opinion or personal perspective as if it were a universally accepted truth.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a wage increase and the opinions of a trade union on the matter. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or actionable insights.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The increase in the real Living Wage may impact companies’ labor costs and employee compensation.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses an increase in the real Living Wage, which affects the financial situation of low-paid workers and potentially impacts companies’ expenses on labor. It also mentions a call for employers to negotiate higher base pay to reflect the cost of living.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk