Over 58,000 working-age adults in Cornwall are 'living in poverty'
The TUC says levels have barely fallen since 2010/11
It is claimed that 58,300 working-age adults in Cornwall are living in poverty.
TUC analysis of the latest official poverty figures published on Monday has found that working-age poverty in the South West has barely fallen since 2010/11.
That is despite regional unemployment falling significantly in the years before the pandemic.
In Cornwall, this equates to an estimated 58,300 working-age adults.
The proportion of working-age people living in poverty was 20% in 2010/11, and 19% in 2019/20, according to todayâs new figures from the Office for National Statistics.
The poor progress comes despite unemployment in the South West falling from 6.4% in 2011 to 3.2% in 2020.
The TUC says that as we recover from the pandemic, we must make sure that the new jobs created are better quality and do not leave families stuck in working poverty.
âHard work should pay off for everyone, no matter who you are or the job you do. But millions of our workers are denied a fair share of the wealth they create.
âThe Prime Minister keeps talking about levelling up â letâs see it for the low paid. Get the minimum wage up to £10 an hour without delay. And give key workers the pay rise they earned.
âThis isnât just about doing the right thing for workers. High streets and businesses across the South West, including Cornwall wonât recover if people have nothing to spend. Pay growth is fuel in the tank. It will drive our recovery much faster, supporting business growth and job creation.â
TUC Regional Secretary for the South West, Nigel Costley