The Office for National Statistics has published figures that reveal the nation’s working patterns during lockdown. Workers on low household incomes up to £1,700 were less likely to work at home. This may be because they are more likely to be classified as key workers.
They also had no more free time than in 2014 to 2015.
Winners and losers
This is not true of those households with higher monthly incomes. The report suggests they are enjoying a better work/life balance than they did 5 years ago. For example, middle income earners have seen a drop off in time spent commuting to work. The result is a rise of almost 50 minutes a day spent enjoying entertainment and leisure activities.
The Workers Union Says
The Workers Union chief spokesman, said: ‘The ONS figures are extremely important. Anyone who doubts the contribution of low income workers should read this. If nothing else it will help them understand the sacrifices that have been made on their behalf.
‘Working people have carried on cleaning the streets, nursing the sick and manufacturing goods throughout this crisis. We owe them all a huge debt of gratitude for everything they’ve done.’
Mr Morgan went on to say that while clapping for the NHS is welcome, key workers need more support.
‘It’s been fantastic to see people out in the streets clapping our brave NHS workers. But the government shouldn’t think that this gesture evens up the measures. Key workers everywhere deserve a better deal. They deserve greater protections from greedy bosses. They deserve the same employment rights as other workers. They deserve a living wage that helps them to enjoy the things other people take for granted.
‘We like to call ourselves a caring and compassionate society. We like to believe that we pull together when times are tough. So let’s unite and show key workers and those on low incomes that we really do care about them. The COVID world has changed the game completely and we need these people more than ever. Anything else is a betrayal of the British principle of fair play.’
The Workers Union – Britain’s hardest working union
