A higher rate and tougher rules on the National Minimum wage are needed, campaigners have said as more people struggle on a low income.

Citizens Advice Scotland has warned the coronavirus pandemic has made a bad situation worse for people struggling on low earnings.

It has said that any employers who refuse o pay the legal minimum should face a crackdown.

The Low Pay Commission, which sets the minimum rate has asked for evidence on making improvements to the system.

Mhoraig Green, CAS Social Justice spokesperson said: “Even before the covid-19 crisis, Citizens Advice Bureaux in Scotland were already seeing people who were struggling on low wages. Workers receiving National Living Wage (NLW) still had budgeting struggles, through a combination of high costs, low wages, and limited and unpredictable social security support.

“The pandemic has made matters even more difficult, demonstrating again how little security low-paid work offers.”

CAS noted an increase in people needing help with Universal credit and more people sinking deeper into debt and relying on foodbanks.

She added: “Retail, tourism and hospitality, care, cleaning and construction are all sectors that seem particularly affected.

“So in our submission we are calling for better pay, and better conditions, for low paid workers. And we also call for a crackdown on employers who flout the law by not paying their workers the legal minimum.”

The current National Minimum Wage rates are £8.72 per hour for aged 25 and over.

For 21 to 24 year olds it is £8.20.

For 18 to 20 year olds it is £6.45 and £4.55 for under 18s.