Nearly 40% of British families, or 8.1 million people, live below the income level regarded as the minimum needed to play a part on society
The UK living wage has been raised 20p to £7.85 across the UK, and from £8.80 to £9.15 per hour in London.
A government-commissioned report has warned that the decade 2010-2020 could mark a watershed moment where the general rise in living standards do not reach the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
Labour MP Alex Cunningham has defended his plan to pay an apprentice £125 for a 35-hour week, after he came under fierce criticism for paying less than the minimum wage for the training role.
Whilst unemployment continues to fall, the reality facing many people with jobs is that they can no longer make ends meet.