Facts and figures: the wages might seem low but then costs are lower too? Surely the minimum wage should be enough?
Tuesday, 10 April 2007 13:30
Of course it’s true that the cost of living in many countries is much lower than in Britain – that’s why we don't compare our wage levels with workers elsewhere. We do know from our partners around the world that the minimum wage in each country is rarely enough to provide a 'living' wage for workers and many garment workers don't even get paid that. A living wage enables workers to meet their needs for nutritious food and clean water, shelter, clothes, education, health care and transport, as well as allowing for a discretionary income. It should be enough to provide for the basic needs of workers and their families, to allow them to participate fully in society and live with dignity. It should take into account the cost of living, social security benefits and the relative standards of other groups. This is what we believe each worker should be able to earn within a normal working week.
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