ASDA Workers' Pay

Supermarket workers have done – and continue to do – so much to keep Britain running, not just during the pandemic, when they went above and beyond, but each and every day. They are key workers, vital to our everyday economy, and it is crucial that they are properly valued and get the recognition and respect they deserve.

It is therefore worrying that according to a poll by the GMB Union of workers at Asda, half of the supermarket’s staff are worried that they will not be able to afford Christmas dinner this year because of low wages, while three-quarters are concerned they will not be able to afford presents. A third are worried that they will not be able to afford to host family, while 87% are worried they will not be able to heat their homes.

I believe all jobs should pay enough to support a family and allow people to have a decent standard of living. Unfortunately, I am concerned that over the last decade, in-work poverty, low pay and financial insecurity of the type highlighted by the GMB’s survey of Asda workers have become rampant throughout our economy. For far too many people, work no longer pays. It is for this reason that I support plans to change the remit of the Low Pay Commission so that the minimum wage reflects the need for people’s pay to at least cover the cost of living, guaranteeing a genuine Living Wage for every worker at last.

I can assure Bootle residents that I will continue to support efforts to ensure that we raise wages for workers and end in-work poverty.