Context
More than a quarter of DWP staff are paid at the minimum threshold to be impacted by the national living wage increase. Thousands of civil servants involved in strikes are facing financial hardship, relying on foodbanks.
Question
Is the Secretary of State aware that more than a quarter of DWP staff are paid so little that the national living wage floor increase this April will lift their salaries? Is he aware that thousands of civil servants forced to take strike action are going without food and having to use foodbanks? Will he commit to constructive talks with the PCS union to resolve the dispute, to put a real pay rise on the table and to make ending the scourge of low pay in his Department a priority?
Answer from Mel Stride
The hon. Lady raises an important point. We will continue to have constructive and positive discussions with the PCS and other unions. She raised the national living wage; she will know that it is to rise by 9.7% this April, to its highest level on record.
Not addressed: Commitment to a real pay rise for DWP staff
How: We Will Continue To Have Constructive And Positive Discussions With The Pcs And Other Unions
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