Deputy PM Angela Rayner writes for The Mirror as the Low Pay Commission begins its annual work to consult with employers, trade unions and workers on the National Minimum Wage
Like many Mirror readers, I know what it’s like to graft every day just to cover the bills – but still struggle to make ends meet.
As a young single mum, I worked long night shifts as a home help on low pay to get me and my young family through the week. That’s why the National Minimum Wage – launched by the last Labour government – was such a lifeline for me and for other low paid workers.
It put more money in my pocket and gave me the security and opportunity I needed to get on in life.
But after 14 years of Tory failure, stagnation and decline that’s no longer the reality for millions of hardworking people across the country who simply cannot afford to get by.
This Labour government was elected a year ago on a promise to Make Work Pay. Which is why, within weeks of taking office we told the Low Pay Commission to consider the cost of living for the first time when setting the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.
As a result, more than 3 million workers got an inflation busting boost to their pay packets from April, worth up to £1,400 a year. This helped raise living standards for the lowest paid who are the backbone of our economy. It also delivered a record cash increase for young people and apprentices – our skilled workers of tomorrow.
And today, alongside my friend the Business Secretary, I will urge the Low Pay Commission to build on this success by pushing even further to make a genuine living wage a reality.
We want to continue narrowing the pay gap for 18 to 20-year-olds as we move closer to setting a single rate for all adult workers in the years to come. This is our Plan for Change in action.
This our promise to Make Work Pay. But it doesn’t stop there. This is a government on the side of working people. You are at the heart of our landmark Employment Rights Bill, now going through Parliament.
This Bill will tackle the low wages, job insecurity and poor conditions that working people face. It will bring stronger protections against unfair sackings, make sure workers get paid sick pay from day one, and stop you being threatened with dismissal for refusing to take lower pay.
And it will guarantee hours and make work more flexible and family-friendly – benefits that will support business by creating a healthier, more productive workforce.
Unelected Tory and Lib Dem Lords, cheered on by Nigel Farage and Reform are trying to block these rights in Parliament. But this Labour Government was elected by you to deliver them, and we will not let them get away with it.
These historic reforms consulted with employers and trade unions are pro-worker, pro-business and pro-growth. So, if you are in casual work without guaranteed hours, if you are working hard on low pay but can’t afford the essentials.
Or if you want a country that is fairer for working people – then this Labour government is working for you. And we will keep on delivering.
READ MORE: Join our Mirror politics WhatsApp group to get the latest updates from Westminster