A FIFTH of key workers say they have run out of money before pay day, with some forced to turn to food banks and second jobs.

The findings, published today by the TUC, also found that key workers’ debt levels have increased since the pandemic began.

Many feel they do not receive a fair wage for the work that they do, prompting the TUC to demand the government prioritise a pay rise for key workers in the forthcoming spending review.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Our shop workers, care assistants and school support staff have worked tirelessly to keep this country going through the pandemic.

“The very least they deserve in return for their hard work is a decent standard of living for their families.

“But many are struggling just to pay their basic bills and put food on the table. 

“And one in five are facing the trauma of running out of money before pay day. That’s not right.

“Enough is enough. Ministers must use the autumn spending review to give all of our key workers the pay rise they so badly need. 

“We must get the minimum wage up to £10 an hour to stop millions of working people from living in poverty.”

The TUC launched a key worker pay campaign poster yesterday outside the Conservative conference in Manchester.

It said the main reasons for key worker family poverty are low pay, with one in three key workers earning less than £10 an hour, and insecure hours.