The Equality Trust has responded to today’s report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on their updated minimum income standard. The report finds that despite an above-inflation increase in the “national living wage”, low-income families are falling further behind a minimum income standard – which acts as a barometer of living standards for households on low incomes
Dr. Wanda Wyporska, Executive Director of The Equality Trust, said:
“Millions of people are struggling to afford a decent standard of living, but this is only half the story. Top CEOs are ‘earning’ on average 165 times more than a nurse, and Rich List billionaires are doing better than ever.
“This inequality is driving us apart, and with rising costs and further cuts to social security planned, it could get much worse.
“However, it is clear there is a huge appetite for change. Politicians can no longer ignore the public will for a more just and equal society. They can no longer turn a blind eye to nurses visiting food banks. That’s why The Equality Trust is calling on the Government to introduce a comprehensive Inequality Reduction Strategy, to build an economy and society for all, not just the lucky few.”
The Equality Trust is a registered charity that works to improve the quality of life in the UK by reducing economic inequality. UK income inequality is among the highest in the developed world and evidence shows that this results in poorer mental and physical health, higher violent crime, poorer educational outcomes and lower levels of trust. Inequality affects us all. For further comments or to arrange an interview, contact info@equalitytrust.org.uk