What´s the minimum wage in London and what other benefits (medical, housing, food) are available? (rent)

[Eduardo983]

Hello London,

Question:
What is the minimum wage in your powerful city and what kind of benefits (medical, food, housing, education, etc) are available to the lower class of London?

Is 1 job enough to survive in your city and even save a few pounds?

~~Thanks in advance

[Hengist]

Let me google that for you

I lived in 1980s London on £3 an hour, but many of those grotty bedsits have been converted to luxury flats, so you would need a house share or be a lodger in someone's spare room. And you would definitely be in a rough old area. Adult education is often subsidised or even free for lower incomes. Healthcare is free. As a young single man you are unlikely to get any housing help.

Do you have any grounds to live and work here?

[markg67]

London is one of the worlds most expensive cities - you would struggle living alone on minimum wage even if you worked long hours. If you share accomodation, council tax and expenses - a flat in a rough area or even sharing a room - you could save money.

Government assisted accomodation is offerred to proven long-term residents of a council who get into difficulty - you still have to pay rent and expenses. There are shelters for homeless people either run by council or charity - these are not something to aspire to.

Minimum wages:
£5.80 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older (tax, I think 24%, has to be deducted from this)
£4.83 per hour for workers aged 18-21 inclusive

If you become unemployed you may apply for unemployment benefit (if eligible) - a weekly payment from the govt to help cover expenses while you look for another job.

If you stay until old age, and have paid taxes, you can apply to receive the governement pension payment.

You buy your food from the supermarket or street market like everyone else. Compared to some countries, food is reasonably priced.

There are comprehensive adult education facilities; tax payer subsidised for those eligible. Education for children is provided free and is compulsory (unless you pay to go to a school of your choice) - buildings and grounds are often old and in built up areas - often do not have grass or trees.

Dental treatment is subsidised.

Medical is free to those eligible (ie citizens, residents, and relevant visa holders).

If you are from EU then entry is free - but if from outside EU, deportation for those not obeying visa rules is also something UK do for free.