NEW UK LIVING WAGE RATE WELCOMED

Patricia Gibson MP has welcomed the increase in UK rates announced by the Living Wage Foundation as part of Living Wage Week, taking place this week from 5 to 11 November.

Announced by the Living Wage Foundation, the new UK rate will apply to all staff at SFHA who are over 18 and has increased to £8.75 per hour.

Patricia said:

“The Real Living Wage not only helps our employees afford to live with dignity but also helps business by improving motivation and retaining and attracting a quality workforce.

“I urge the UK Government to increase their ‘Living Wage’ from £7.50 an hour to match the Real Living Wage. At a time when 58% of people living in poverty are in work - up from 47% a decade ago - this would go a long way to reducing that poverty.”

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.

“Today’s 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:

www.livingwage.org.uk/living-wage-week