MP Douglas Chapman says the National Minimum Wage needs to rise further to take the pressure off families.

A report published by Dunfermline-based charity the Carnegie Trust UK has found nearly two-thirds of people in the UK support an increase to the National Minimum Wage, which rose by 50p an hour on Wednesday.

In its findings the report titled, ‘The Future of the Minimum Wage,’ spoke to workers across the country who are in low paid work, about their experiences.

Many who took part told stories of not being able to afford rent and pay bills, whilst others were forced to borrow money from their parents or use foodbanks.

The report found that the Minimum Wage was not enough to make ends meet and some were choosing between heating and eating or were landed in huge amounts of debt as they were taking out payday loans and then paying back massive sums.

Researchers conducted a survey of 1,500 people, with two-thirds of them supporting an increase in the National Minimum Wage – which currently stands at £8.72 per hour, having just been increased by 50p on April 1st.

Commenting, SNP MP for Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side, Douglas Chapman said: “This report highlights the daily struggles families across the UK have living on the National Minimum Wage, which falls far short of what is needed to keep up with the cost of keeping a roof over your head and food on the table.

“It is a disgrace that hard-working people cannot afford to heat their homes or feed their children every day and are being forced to queue up at foodbanks just to make ends meet.

“The increase at the start of April is welcome, however it does not go far enough to support families. We must see the National Minimum Wage equal to the Living Wage of £9.30 an hour, so hard-working people can finally see work paying off.”