Cornish workers urged to speak out about low wages
It's part of an investigation into low wages and zero hours contracts
As part of an investigation into low wages and zero hours contracts, Cornish workers are being asked to share their experiences.
Two drop-in sessions are being held by Truro Foodbank this week after they've seen a dramatic increase in demand from people who are struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis.
Anyone who attends the sessions can remain anonymous and will be asked a series of questions including, Are you paid less than £12 an hour and do you think you're worth more?
The foodbank manager, Simon Fann, said:
"Cornwall has traditionally been an area where the lowest pay and insecure hours has been the way things are done. It’s time to change that.
“We want to hear the views of people like those who’ve been forced to use the foodbank because they can’t make ends meet. Many of them are on the minimum wage or worse and some are on zero hours contracts.”
The meetings are at:
Perranporth Memorial Hall, on February 29, from 6 pm until 8 pm
All Saints Church, Highertown, Truro, on March 1 between 2 pm and 4 pm.
Simon Added:
"We'd like to recommend and promote that Cornwall as an entire county becomes accredited with the Living Wage Foundation as a living wage place.
I work for Truro Food Bank but I don't want to recommend the living wage should be just for Truro. We need to do something for the whole county because people are struggling on very low pay jobs and insecure hours.
If an employer signs up with the Living Wage foundation, they guarantee to pay this minimum £12 an hour to all their directly employed staff over 18."