Calderdale Council, as an accredited Living Wage employer, welcomes the increase in UK and London rates announced by the Living Wage Foundation as part of Living Wage Week (5 – 11 November 2017).
In its second year as part of a movement of over 3,500 employers who voluntarily opt in to paying the real Living Wage, the Council has committed to the increase – independently calculated to meet the cost of living – which will be implemented within six months.
The new UK rate announced by the Living Wage Foundation will apply to all eligible Council staff and has increased to £8.75 per hour, an increase of 30p per hour.
Calderdale was the first council in West Yorkshire to be accredited as a Living Wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation in June 2015.
Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said:
“We are proud to implement this increase in pay. We recognise the financial challenges that families face and we are committed to supporting our lower paid workers. Paying the Living Wage is one way that we are helping to reduce poverty and inequality as part of our ambition for Calderdale to be the best borough in the North. This also helps Council services by improving motivation and retaining and attracting a quality workforce.
“We actively encourage other organisations across Calderdale to follow our example. We are pleased that the majority of local schools are paying the Living Wage.”
Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation said:
“Year-on-year, we see organisations and businesses across the UK embracing the real Living Wage as they recognise that a fair day’s pay is not only the right thing but can improve the quality of staff’s work, reduce absenteeism and increase motivation and retention.
“The increase acknowledges that the cost of living continues to rise for workers everywhere and the leadership shown by businesses who welcome this is a cause for celebration during Living Wage Week, sending a positive message to the business community to show what others can achieve.”
For more information about Living Wage Week go to http://www.livingwage.org.uk/living-wage-week(external link)