Available online
Description
Low pay is one of the major causes of family poverty in our society. In 1976 it was estimated that 1.5 million male earners fell into the low paid category, that is they were being paid less than t...wo-thirds of the average earnings. The programme looks at the problems involved in the measurement of low pay, it then goes on to examine how inflation has affected the standard of living of the poor. Evidence suggests that the lowest paid who spend a large proportion of their income on food, heat and housing, have suffered more severely from the effects of inflation, than other groups. The causes of low pay are also discussed: is it a personal or institutional matter? Finally, Alistair Macrae of N.U.P.E. in Glasgow, talks about the problems of unionisation of the low paid. The film was made in Edinburgh and the comments of academics are interspersed with interviews from two low paid Edinburgh families, who describe how much they earn and how the money is spent.
Low pay is one of the major causes of family poverty in our society. In 1976 it was estimated that 1.5 million male earners fell into the low paid category, that is they were being paid less than t...wo-thirds of the average earnings. The programme looks at the problems involved in the measurement of low pay, it then goes on to examine how inflation has affected the standard of living of the poor. Evidence suggests that the lowest paid who spend a large proportion of their income on food, heat and housing, have suffered more severely from the effects of inflation, than other groups. The causes of low pay are also discussed: is it a personal or institutional matter? Finally, Alistair Macrae of N.U.P.E. in Glasgow, talks about the problems of unionisation of the low paid. The film was made in Edinburgh and the comments of academics are interspersed with interviews from two low paid Edinburgh families, who describe how much they earn and how the money is spent.
| Module code and title: | D302, Patterns of inequality |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D302; 08 |
| First transmission date: | 08-06-1976 |
| Published: | 1976 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:07 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Claire Falkner |
| Contributors: | Neil Ascherson; Alan Harrison; Jean Jordan; Alistair Macrae; Alexander Senter |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Incomes; Inequality; Low pay |
| Footage description: | Jean Jordan interviews the Hamburgh Family in Edinburgh on their earnings. Jordan outlines some of the issues the programme will look at and some of the factors affecting low pay. Harrison, from Strathclyde University, describes some difficulties in trying to define low paid workers. Ascherson, from The Scotsman outlines why the incidence of low pay is so high in Scotland. The Hamburgh family detail their weekly outgoings. Harrison describes how taxes and insurance contributions affect the low paid. The Kelly family discuss their income, standard of living etc. Senter, from the Co-op, outlines the range of wages they pay. Harrison gives two main causes of low pay. Houghton asks Macrae, from N.U.P.E. why he feels unions have shown a lack of commitment on low pay. Macrae continues by stressing the importance of a national minimum wage and the need for a political solution to the problem of low pay. Credits. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72186 |
| Production number: | 00525_2283 |
| Videofinder number: | 189 |
| Available to public: | no |
