Lowest-paid workers are bearing the brunt of job losses, TUC study reveals

The lowest-paid workers have borne the brunt of job losses over the past three years, making up almost half the increase in unemployment since 2008, the TUC has claimed.

Lost sales, service and administrative jobs are responsible for 41 per cent of the claimant count rise over the period, according to a study for the trades union organisation.

The second biggest increase since 2008 was among labourers, bar and catering staff and cleaners, almost doubling from 86,000 in April 2008 to 168,000 in August, said the TUC.

Women were particularly badly hit by job losses in sales, as well as being disproportionately affected by cuts in the public sector, said the report.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “While millions have suffered since the financial crash, those in low-paid work have paid a particularly heavy price in terms of job losses.

“There are over three million people across the UK in sales, admin and service jobs so this sharp rise in unemployment is a major concern.

“People are desperate to see where new jobs are going to come from but the government’s rigid austerity plan is killing off their job prospects and stifling business growth. The Bank of England has started its plan B. ”

The report was published before new unemployment figures come out on Wednesday.

A government spokesman said: “The government has always said recovering from a financial crisis with such a large debt overhang would be slow and choppy, but as the instability in the eurozone shows, it is vital that the government sticks to its deficit reduction plan.

“This plan is essential for sustainable growth, It has helped deliver record low interest rates for families, along with 500,000 private sector jobs created last year.

“Our new work programme is now up and running and offers people who have lost their jobs flexible tailored help to get back into jobs and stay there.”