Leader's pride as Council accredited as a Real Living Wage Employer

The leader of Trafford Council has spoken of his pride after the authority was accredited as a Real Living Wage Employer.

The accreditation was made by the Living Wage Foundation which recognises those organisations which voluntarily choose to pay their staff more than the Government’s minimum wage.

The Council has been paying 320 school and authority staff the Real Living Wage rate, which is currently £10.90 per hour, since January 2023.

One of Trafford Council’s key priorities is to support people out of poverty by maximising people’s income and becoming Real Living Wage accredited will help achieve this aim.

Council Leader, Cllr Tom Ross, said: “One of our three corporate priorities is to support people out of poverty and paying the Real Living Wage is a key action in responding to the Cost of Living Crisis at a time when costs are increasing.

“We are delighted to have Real Living Wage Accreditation which formally recognises and celebrates employers who choose to go further than the government’s minimum hourly rate. Thank you to everyone who has worked on getting us to this point. It is crucial that we help as many people as possible through this crisis. We will now be working with partners to support and encourage them to become accredited and support the local economy.”

Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: "We are thrilled that Trafford Council are now a Living Wage Employer and have become the fifth local authority in Greater Manchester to pay a wage that reflects everyday needs.

“By signing up to the real Living Wage, Trafford Council are leading the way in making Greater Manchester a Living Wage Place at a critical time. It’s never been more important for wages to meet the cost of living, and we encourage those organisations who can to follow Trafford Council's lead in supporting their workers live a dignified life."

Trafford Council now joins local authorities in Bury, Salford, Manchester and Oldham as being accredited as a Real Living Wage employer. Nationally over 7,943 organisations have Real Living Wage Accreditation. In the North West, 695 organisations have accreditation, with over 500 organisations in GM and 55 accredited organisations in Trafford.

 

 

Posted on Tuesday 21st March 2023