Truro Foodbank launch campaign calling for fair pay for Cornish workers
They say the number of people seeking help has doubled in three years
A foodbank is appealing to Cornish workers on low wages to support a campaign urging bosses to increase rates of pay.
Truro Foodbank warns the demand for them has more than doubled in three years - with two thirds of those going in for help on low pay.
They plan to conduct a survey to assess ‘the level of anger’ among people about hourly wage levels paid by companies and other organisations across the county.
The foodbank manager, Simon Fann, said: "We want everyone who’s fed up with the poor pay they receive in Cornwall to contact us to help build a case for a better deal.
"Huge increase in demand"
"We need to know just how strongly people feel about their wage packets. Low pay is the biggest single reason why the foodbank has seen such a huge increase in demand."
The number of people seeking help from the foodbank has doubled in three years. A total of 5,593 received support in the 12 months to this April.
"More than two-thirds of them were on low wages."
"5,593 received support in 12 months"
One man visiting the foodbank said: "My boss says the firm is so small they can’t increase my salary. I’ve been on the same for three years now but costs have gone crazy. I just can’t cope."
Another person told foodbank staff: "I’m 20 and get £7.50 an hour. I can’t afford anything."
Simon, manager of the foodbank, wants to gather evidence about low pay to support a campaign to have Cornwall designated as the first county in the UK to be officially recognised as a Living Wage Place by the influential Real Living Wage Foundation.
Towns and cities already classified by the foundation have seen pay rates rise because of pressure on employers.
One-in-four people working in Cornwall receive less than the voluntary real living wage of £10.90 an hour which applies to anyone 18 or over. The government’s national living wage pays £10.42 if you’re 23 or over.
People volunteering to take part in the foodbank survey will be asked a series of questions including:
*What is life like on low pay in Cornwall?
*Are you on a low or zero hours contract?
*What is your experience of short notice shift cancellations?
*Are you over 18 and paid less than £10.90 an hour?
Simon added: "We don’t just want to hear from people who’re poorly paid. We’re also keen to hear the views of employers as well as from advisors who work for support organisations.
"It’s not right that voluntary organisations like foodbanks should always be relied upon to fill the gap left by employers who offer meagre levels of pay.
"I’d like to think there won’t be a need for foodbanks by 2030 and being recognised as a Real Living Wage area would be one step in that direction. Otherwise the demand on foodbanks will simply grow and grow."
You can contact the foodbank on trurofoodbank@gmail.com or 07721 711669.