Yorkshire workers are being forced to borrow £370 a month to make ends meet.
Further still, a worrying 54 per cent of employed people from our region, who requested extra hours at work in a bid to earn more money, were turned down.
These shocking figures come from an independent survey commissioned by Britain’s largest union Unite, which is tracking thousands of working people’s lives through the economic crisis.
The “grim” reality of working life in Yorkshire comes days before union members and supporters gear up for a TUC-backed ‘March for a Future That Works’ event taking place in London on October 20.
A Union spokesman described the situation of rising prices and falling incomes as “toxic”.
Growing numbers of working people are finding themselves in “impossible” situations, the Union has said, forcing them into the clutches of loan sharks.
Adding to people’s misery, it was found that, 65 per cent of households across the UK, who rely on tax credits have recently seen them cut.
Karen Reay, Unite regional secretary in Yorkshire and The Humber, said the government needs to raise the minimum wage by £1 an hour.
And place a cap on household energy bills.
She said: “These figures show the grim picture facing working people across Yorkshire and The Humber.
“Thousands are struggling with the impact of the cuts, a failing economy and rising prices.
“But rather than take the positive radical action necessary, this government continues to stand on the sidelines and do nothing to help people through our dire economic situation.
“Some government ministers have suggested the problem with our economy is that people aren’t working hard enough.
“Well this research shows employees are asking for extra work, but it’s not available, which demonstrates just how out of touch this government is.
“The government urgently needs to boost the economy by increasing the minimum wage by £1 an hour.
“We are also demanding that they introduce a cap on energy bills, to help workers with the rocketing cost of living.”
The survey for Unite also asked respondents about their monthly budget. Almost one in eight said they had cut back on spending, at the cost of local businesses who are losing out.
Of those living in Yorkshire, 68 per cent blamed Westminster for their economic woes, the survey found.
If you want to take a stand against government austerity by taking part in the October protest march visit www.UnitetheUnion.org. Coaches are being organised for members and non-members.
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