In 2024, over one in six UK jobs paid below the real Living Wage — that’s 800,000 more people than the previous year now struggling to stay afloat. These are the very people who keep our country moving: carers, cleaners, delivery drivers, retail staff, hospitality workers. Yet they’re being paid poverty wages.
At the United Workers Alliance (UWA), we believe no one working full time should be unable to afford a basic standard of living. But as the cost of living continues to rise, real wages for many are going in the opposite direction.
According to Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation, “Low pay is getting worse… showing how quickly things are moving in the wrong direction.” And she’s right. The government may set legal minimums, but that doesn’t mean they’re enough to live on.
Why this matters
🔵 One in six UK jobs now fall below the real Living Wage
🔵 The gap between minimum wage and real-world costs is growing
🔵 Essential workers are increasingly reliant on foodbanks and in-work benefits just to survive
This isn’t sustainable. This isn’t dignified. This isn’t fair.
What can be done?
At UWA, we’re calling on all workers — whether you’re public or private sector, full-time or zero-hours — to get informed, get organised, and demand better.
Here’s how you can take action:
✅ Join a union (like UWA) to collectively push for fairer pay
✅ Start a conversation at work about your right to a living wage
✅ Check if your employer is an accredited Living Wage employer
✅ Push for change locally — campaign for your council or school to adopt the real Living Wage
Why Join UWA?
As a UWA member, you’re not alone. We give you tools, representation, legal templates, campaign support and a community that’s on your side. Because if we don’t fight for a liveable wage, who will?
👉 Join UWA Tohttp://unitedworkersalliance.co.uk/join-us/day and be part of the fight for a real Living Wage.