A Cornwall foodbank is appealing to Cornish workers on low wages to support a campaign urging bosses to increase rates of pay. 

Truro Foodbank manager Simon Fann wants to conduct a survey to assess the “level of anger” among people about hourly wage levels paid by companies and other organisations across the county. 

The number of people seeking help from the foodbank has doubled in three years. 

A total of 5,593 people received support in the 12 months up to April 2023; more than two-thirds were on low wages.

“We want everyone in Cornwall who is fed up with the poor pay they receive to contact us to help build a case for a better deal,” said Simon. 

“We need to know just how strongly people feel about their wage packets. Low pay is the biggest single reason why the foodbank has seen such a huge increase in demand.”

Simon wants to gather evidence about low pay to support a campaign for Cornwall to be the first UK county designated as a Living Wage Place by the influential Real Living Wage Foundation. 

Towns and cities already classified by the foundation have seen pay rates rise due to pressure on employers.

One in four people working in Cornwall receive less than the voluntary real living wage of £10.90 an hour, which applies to anyone 18 or over. The government’s national living wage pays £10.42 if you’re 23 or over.

However, one man told foodbank staff: “My boss says the firm is so small they can’t increase my salary. I’ve been on the same pay for three years now, but costs have gone crazy. I just can’t cope.” 

Another said: “I’m 20 and get £7.50 an hour. I can’t afford anything.”

Those volunteering to take part in the foodbank survey will be asked a series of questions including: 

• What is life like on low pay in Cornwall?

• Are you on a low or zero hours contract?

• What is your experience of short notice shift cancellations?

• Are you over 18 and paid less than £10.90 an hour?

But Simon doesn’t just want to hear from poorly-paid employees. 

“We’re also keen to hear the views of employers as well as from advisors who work for support organisations,” he said.

“It’s not right that voluntary organisations like foodbanks should be relied upon to fill the gap left by employers who offer meagre levels of pay.” 

“I’d like to think there won’t be a need for foodbanks by 2030. 

“Being recognised as a Real Living Wage area would be one step in that direction – otherwise the demand on foodbanks will simply grow and grow.” 

To contact the foodbank with your views, call 07721 711669 or email [email protected]