MP wants Living Wage sooner than later

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones wants action in the borough “sooner rather than later” on the Living Wage.
She has welcomed the announcement by the borough council that they see the benefits of the Living Wage and that it is something they are committed to.
The MP, who is a strong campaigner for the introduction of a Living Wage, said the council should be looking to introduce the measure sooner rather than later to stop people from, as Ed Miliband put it, “working for their poverty”.
Ms Jones said: “I welcome the statement made by the council leader that the authority agrees with the principle of the Living Wage and it is something he is committed to.
“Nearly a quarter of English and Welsh councils are now Living Wage employers but having said that, it still remains a fact that a fifth of all employed workers are paid less than the Living Wage.
“People are in effect still working for their poverty. That cannot be right.
“Labour brought in the minimum wage and it is now leading the fight for a Living Wage. In the face of the deep cuts being forced on local authorities by the government it can be difficult for councils to introduce the Living Wage.
“It cannot be done overnight but around the country many Labour-led councils are paying Living Wages showing that we can deliver by prioritising fairness and building stronger communities and local economies.
“I am pleased that Warrington is committed to the Living Wage and will be consulting further on the matter. I hope circumstances will allow our council to introduce the Living Wage sooner rather than later. “