[UK] Higher pay would improve the physical and mental health of 78% of low-paid workers

In the UK, new research has revealed that more than three-quarters of low-paid workers believe that earning a real Living Wage would improve their health, HR News reports.

The report, From Good Work to Good Health, was published by the Living Wage Foundation and supported by the Health Foundation. It combines new polling of 1,500 low-paid workers with a rapid evidence review looking at how employer practices influence worker health and wellbeing. 

Its findings reportedly show that the measure workers were most likely to say would positively impact their health was earning at least the real Living Wage, with more than three quarters (78 per cent) saying it would have a positive impact on both their physical and mental health. 

Additionally, respondents identified quality management, flexibility at work, enhanced sick pay and predictable working hours as measures likely to positively impact their health.  

According to the report: 

• 78 per cent of low-paid workers said earning the real Living Wage would positively impact their health 

• Around three-quarters said supportive management, flexibility and predictable working hours would positively impact their health 

• 74 per cent of respondents said receiving more than statutory sick pay would positively impact their physical health 

• 64 per cent said enhanced sick pay and support when returning to work would make them more likely to stay in their job 

The evidence review reportedly found strong links between low income, insecure work and poorer health outcomes. It reportedly highlighted the importance of secure work, adequate sick pay, flexibility and supportive workplace practices in supporting healthier working lives. 

Graham Griffiths - Director of the Living Wage Foundation - said, “Good work is good for health, and this research shows workers themselves recognise the importance of fair pay and financial security to their wellbeing. 

“It’s clear that employers have an important role to play in supporting healthier working lives by offering fair pay, secure work, and flexibility. 

“This research also makes the case even stronger for a real Living Wage across the health and social care sector in England. If we recognise that low pay damages health, it cannot be right that so many people working in care itself are still earning below the real Living Wage. 

“Social care workers do vital, skilled and demanding work supporting the health and wellbeing of others every day. The sector should be leading the way on fair pay and healthy work, not lagging behind.”  

Claire Campbell FCIPD - Senior Fellow at the Health Foundation - said, “Work is a major determinant of health, and the quality of work people experience can shape their physical and mental wellbeing throughout their lives. 

“These findings point to the importance of factors such as fair pay, security, flexibility and supportive workplace practices in helping people stay healthy and well at work. They also reflect the pressures many low-paid workers are facing, particularly in the context of the rising cost of living. 

“Employers have an important role to play in creating healthier working environments. Supporting good work is important for workers themselves but also for wider public health.” 

Source: HR News

(Quotes via original reporting)

In the UK, new research has revealed that more than three-quarters of low-paid workers believe that earning a real Living Wage would improve their health, HR News reports.

The report, From Good Work to Good Health, was published by the Living Wage Foundation and supported by the Health Foundation. It combines new polling of 1,500 low-paid workers with a rapid evidence review looking at how employer practices influence worker health and wellbeing. 

Its findings reportedly show that the measure workers were most likely to say would positively impact their health was earning at least the real Living Wage, with more than three quarters (78 per cent) saying it would have a positive impact on both their physical and mental health. 

Additionally, respondents identified quality management, flexibility at work, enhanced sick pay and predictable working hours as measures likely to positively impact their health.  

According to the report: 

• 78 per cent of low-paid workers said earning the real Living Wage would positively impact their health 

• Around three-quarters said supportive management, flexibility and predictable working hours would positively impact their health 

• 74 per cent of respondents said receiving more than statutory sick pay would positively impact their physical health 

• 64 per cent said enhanced sick pay and support when returning to work would make them more likely to stay in their job 

The evidence review reportedly found strong links between low income, insecure work and poorer health outcomes. It reportedly highlighted the importance of secure work, adequate sick pay, flexibility and supportive workplace practices in supporting healthier working lives. 

Graham Griffiths - Director of the Living Wage Foundation - said, “Good work is good for health, and this research shows workers themselves recognise the importance of fair pay and financial security to their wellbeing. 

“It’s clear that employers have an important role to play in supporting healthier working lives by offering fair pay, secure work, and flexibility. 

“This research also makes the case even stronger for a real Living Wage across the health and social care sector in England. If we recognise that low pay damages health, it cannot be right that so many people working in care itself are still earning below the real Living Wage. 

“Social care workers do vital, skilled and demanding work supporting the health and wellbeing of others every day. The sector should be leading the way on fair pay and healthy work, not lagging behind.”  

Claire Campbell FCIPD - Senior Fellow at the Health Foundation - said, “Work is a major determinant of health, and the quality of work people experience can shape their physical and mental wellbeing throughout their lives. 

“These findings point to the importance of factors such as fair pay, security, flexibility and supportive workplace practices in helping people stay healthy and well at work. They also reflect the pressures many low-paid workers are facing, particularly in the context of the rising cost of living. 

“Employers have an important role to play in creating healthier working environments. Supporting good work is important for workers themselves but also for wider public health.” 

Source: HR News

(Quotes via original reporting)