Average pay have fallen in 38 out of 39 months since David Cameron became Prime Minister while the National Minimum Wage – one of the greatest achievements of the last government - has declined during the same period by 45p an hour in real terms - or almost £20 a week. Mr Miliband will say the next Labour government will begin tackling the cost of living crisis and strengthen the minimum wage.
Ed Miliband said: "One of the proudest achievements of the last Labour government was the National Minimum Wage, making work pay for millions of people. But under this government it is losing its value. Almost £20 less a week for a low paid worker since David Cameron came to power. That can’t be right. Of course, many businesses are facing tough times. But does anyone here really believe that a big bank can’t afford to pay their cleaners a little bit more?"
Continuing Mr Miliband said: "I want to send a very clear signal today: It is wrong that millions of people are going out to work, working harder and harder, and can’t afford to bring up their families. The next Labour government will put that right. The next Labour government will strengthen the National Minimum Wage. The next Labour government will make work pay.”
Mr Miliband has also today appointed Alan Buckle, Deputy Chairman at KPMG, to investigate how the role and powers of the Low Pay Commission could be extended to strengthen the minimum wage. Mr Buckle, building on the work he is already doing for Labour on the Living Wage, will consult widely with employers and employee groups on ways to restore the value of the minimum wage so that it catches up with where it was in 2010. He will also look at which particular sectors can afford to pay more.
This measure, together with a commitment to scrap the "Bedroom Tax" and extend access to child care for hard-pressed parents announced last night, signals the start of, what Labour are calling, Labour’s “Living Standards Conference” in which the Labour party say they will show how it will stand up for ordinary families and build a One Nation economy which works for working people.
Mr Miliband has also today appointed Alan Buckle, Deputy Chairman at KPMG, to investigate how the role and powers of the Low Pay Commission could be extended to strengthen the minimum wage. Mr Buckle, building on the work he is already doing for Labour on the Living Wage, will consult widely with employers and employee groups on ways to restore the value of the minimum wage so that it catches up with where it was in 2010. He will also look at which particular sectors can afford to pay more.
This measure, together with a commitment to scrap the "Bedroom Tax" and extend access to child care for hard-pressed parents announced last night, signals the start of, what Labour are calling, Labour’s “Living Standards Conference” in which the Labour party say they will show how it will stand up for ordinary families and build a One Nation economy which works for working people.
