EDM 1324: Real Living Wage Campaign

That this House supports the Living Wage campaign; notes that 4.5 million UK workers are currently paid below the real Living Wage; recognises that retail workers, cleaning staff and security are some of the lowest paid, which not only exacerbates income and wealth inequality in society but has a real impact on our economic growth; further recognises that some of the UK’s biggest retailers such as Next, M&S and JD Sports, fail to provide all their workers with a real Living Wage; acknowledges that the aforementioned corporations may have policies in place but also outsource some services to other businesses which pay below the Living Wage; and also recognises that while the Employment Rights Bill brings forward essential employee protections, this must be supported by robust reporting and transparent disclosure mechanisms across all industries so that investors have a full and accurate picture to invest responsibly and confidently.