Only 17% of low-paid workers have gone on to get better pay. This means many low-paid workers are permanently stuck in low pay.
This is according to an October 2017 research paper (pdf) by the Social Mobility Commission.
The research calls on government to work with employers to improve progression and productivity in work.
The research notes:
- 35 per cent of those who were low paid in 1981 were still stuck in 1991
- Women are overrepresented among those who remained ‘stuck’ (employees who were in low-paid work in every year they appear in the data) from 2006 to 2016
- A strong negative impact persists for those who remain in the accommodation and food services industry.
