Millions of workers are stuck in insecure jobs paying less than the Real Living Wage, a report reveals today.
They are often under used, given “volatile” pay or hours and trapped in non-permanent posts, leaving them struggling to pay bills and rent.
Researchers found 3.7 million – 12% of all staff – are in low-paid work.
Of those, 12% received less than 24 hours’ notice for their working hours or shifts and 49% got less than a week.
And 42% had shifts unexpectedly axed with 28% getting no pay, the Survation poll commissioned by the Living Wage Foundation revealed.
LWF director Graham Griffiths said: “Insecure work has been a consistent feature for 20 years.
"The result is millions of people unable to get the hours and pay they need to meet their everyday needs, with many struggling to keep their heads above water.”
The pandemic meant many workers in insecure jobs were also more likely to lose work.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady added: “Too many are stuck in insecure work and don’t know how much they’ll be earning from week to week, or whether they’ll earn enough to put food on the table.
“It’s time the Government put an end to the scourge of insecure work, banning hated zero-hours contracts.”
LWF accredited firms pay £10.85 an hour in London and £9.50 elsewhere The Government’s “national living wage” ranges from £4.62 to £8.91.
A spokesman said it would raise rates by 2024 and introduce new rules on contracts to give workers security.
