More than 70,000 Lincolnshire workers earn below the ‘living wage’

MORE than 70,000 working people in Lincolnshire are earning less than the living wage, according to a report by accounts KPMG.

It states 451,000 working people in the East Midlands are paid below the advised living wage (£7.85 outside of London).

The report, published today says 29% of all employees in the county earn less than the living wage – more than the East Midlands average of 26%.

And while the UK-wide average wage is £11.61, the East Midlands is only £10.60.

Ian Borley, East Midlands Senior Partner at KPMG, said:  “It can’t be right that 29 percent of our county’s workers are earning below living wage.

“With the cost of living still high, the squeeze on household finances remains acute, meaning that the reality for many is that they are forced to live hand to mouth. In Lincolnshire, it is clear that there is still more to be done if we are to eradicate in work poverty, especially in the more rural areas of our region.”