1 in 5 London Workers Paid "Poverty Wages"

16 October 2012, 10:11 | Updated: 16 October 2012, 10:13

One in five workers in London are being paid "poverty wages".

A study has found the number of jobs paying below the so-called London living wage has risen by 100,000 between 2012 and 2011.

It now stands at 580,000.

The organisation behind the findings, Trust for London, says the Government could save nearly £1 billion a year in taxes and welfare if more businesses paid the recommended minimum London rate.

Last year mayor Boris Johnson raised the recommended minimum hourly wage to £8.30, a rise of 45p.

A spokesperson for Mr Johnson said: "The mayor believes strongly that paying the London living wage makes good business sense as it helps to boost the bottom line by building dedicated and motivated workforces."