- New research with 1,500 workers earning a low wage shows clear links between fair pay and health
- Other workplace measures such as quality management and better sick pay also positively impact health
- As rising ill health continues to affect the British workforce, the Living Wage Foundation highlights the role employers can play in supporting worker health
More than three quarters of low-paid workers say that earning a real Living Wage would improve their health, according to new research published today by the Living Wage Foundation and supported by the Health Foundation.
The report, From Good Work to Good Health, combines new polling of 1,500 low-paid workers with a rapid evidence review examining how employer practices influence worker health and wellbeing.
The findings show that earning at least the real Living Wage was the measure workers were most likely to say would positively impact their health. More than three quarters (78%) said it would have a positive impact on both their physical and mental health.
Workers also identified quality management, flexibility at work, enhanced sick pay and predictable working hours as measures likely to positively impact health.
The report comes amid growing concern about rising ill health among the working-age population, and increased recognition of the role employers can play in supporting workforce health and wellbeing.
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, which supported this research, 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.”
Sam, a staff member at Living Wage Employer Thomas Kneale Ltd in Manchester, said:
“My health and well-being really suffered when I worked as a temp on a low-paid zero hours contract. I was stuck in dingey rentals, always falling behind on bills, and cancelling appointments because I couldn’t afford the travel. Now I'm paid a Living Wage and have secure hours at my current job, all that’s just a distant memory. I'm settled in nice home and pay all my bills by direct debit. I live life on my own terms free of money worries.”
The report found:
- 78% 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% said receiving more than statutory sick pay would positively impact their physical health
- Almost two thirds (64%) said enhanced sick pay and support when returning to work would make them more likely to stay in their job
- The evidence review found strong links between low income, insecure work and poorer health outcomes. It also pointed to the importance of secure work, adequate sick pay, flexibility and supportive workplace practices in supporting healthier working lives.
The report also found that workers place strong value on financial security and stability, including enhanced pension contributions and predictable working hours.
The polling was conducted among 1,500 workers paid below the real Living Wage, including a boost sample of 500 workers with a long-term health condition or disability.