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One in five workers is not paid the “real” living wage , says a new study.

Of the 5.5 million on less than £8.45 an hour, 3.4 million are women and 2.1 million men.

The overall figure has fallen 100,000 in the past year but is still one million higher than the 4.5 ­million in 2012, ­according to accountancy firm KPMG.

Hardest hit areas are Northern Ireland, followed by the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber.

KPMG director Andy Bagnall said more needs to be done to end in-work poverty. He said: “It’s unfortunate so many working people can’t enjoy the standard of life so many of us take for granted.”

The new National Living Wage, currently just £7.50 an hour, is due to be ­announced tomorrow and, unlike the ­compulsory minimum wage (£7.05), employers can decide whether or not to pay it.

Katherine Chapman, of the Living Wage Foundation, said that with tough times ahead, ­ensuring staff earn enough to live with dignity is all the more important.

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: “Tory failure means real wages are lower today than in 2010.

(Image: SWNS.com)

“Living standards are set to fall over the course of this parliament, and the Government is offering no real solutions, which means that the living wage will be a vital lifeline for the low-paid.”

He said the Tories are pushing ahead with multi-billion-pound tax giveaways to the super-rich and big business while cutting benefits and freezing public sector pay.