How far does the minimum wage stretch?
February 23, 2009
I’ve just read an article about an experiment a reporter is carrying out for the traditional period of self-denial; Lent. Charlotte McDonald, who is based in London, is going to live on the current minimum wage for the 40 days of the festival – to see how far £5.73 an hour gets you when you live in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Charlotte has calculated that after paying all her bills, rent and travel expenses (which is notoriously very expensive in London) she will have less than £15 each week for food and socialising (which I don’t think she will be able to do much of). Do you think that you could live on that much money?
The experiment is taking a look at how people have to live when times are hard;
‘As the recession has started to change people’s spending habits, I don’t think I will be alone in trying to find enterprising ways of economising.’
One person has left a comment below the article on Charlotte’s experiment, saying that she could perhaps be entitled to some benefits depending on her earnings, but I’m not so sure – if she works full time and earns the minimum wage then I don’t see what support she would be entitled to – can anyone shed any light on this?
This will be a very interesting experiment and I will be keeping up with Charlotte’s progress by looking on the news shopper website.
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