Labour has set out how it will support women hit by the
cost-of-living crisis, pledging to ensure 140,000 of
the lowest paid female benefit from a genuine living
wage.
Ahead of a campaign visit to Scotland, Deputy Leader
Angela set out her plans to deliver a genuine
living wage for around 140,000 women.
Labour's New Deal for Working People will also tackle insecure
work and help parents balance work and family life –
banning exploitative zero hour contracts, ending fire and rehire,
strengthening day one rights, tackling maternity discrimination
and allowing for more flexible working.
A shocking report by the First Minister's National Advisory
Council on Women and Girls set out the disproportionate effect
the cost of living crisis has had on women.
The report noted that the majority of those trapped in low
pay are women, as are those seeking debt advice and struggling to
pay energy bills, and highlighted research showing that
women are avoiding putting on heating, skipping meals
and changing travel plans due to rising costs.
Labour made a commitment for women's interests to
be at the heart of a Labour government, warning that we
cannot afford another five years of Tory chaos.
, Deputy Leader of the Labour
Party, said: “When the Tories crashed the
economy, it was women who were left to pick up the pieces.
“From mums juggling work and childcare to those working as
cleaners, carers and others in predominantly female, low-paid
jobs, women in Scotland have been failed by two incompetent
governments.
“This cannot go on – Labour will tackle the scourge of
insecure work ensuring 140,000 of the lowest paid female workers
in Scotland benefit from a genuine living wage that
will for the first time take into account the cost of
living.
“Together we can make sure we get rid of this disastrous Tory
government and deliver a Labour government that is on your
side
“On July 4 we have an opportunity to deliver the change that
Scotland needs – but change only happens if you vote for it.”
Scottish Labour leader said “For too
long women across Scotland have been forced to pay the price for
political failure – from Tory economic vandalism to SNP
incompetence.
“Labour's transformative New Deal for Working People will tackle
low pay and insecure work, delivering a genuine living wage and
ending exploitative zero hour contracts.
“We cannot afford another five years of Tory chaos – we need to
make sure we take this opportunity to elect a Labour government
with women's interests at its heart.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
141,000 female employees in Scotland currently earn below the
living wage: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/numberandproportionofemployeejobswithhourlypaybelowthelivingwage
The National Advisory Council on Women and Girls May 2024 report
has brought together several points of research, showing the
impact of the cost-of-living crisis on women: https://www.generationequal.scot/app/uploads/2024/05/NACWG-Report-May-2024.pdf
