As one of just 6,500 UK businesses who voluntarily pay ‘the real Living Wage’ Calteq has thrown its support behind Living Wage Week. Is calling for more of its clients and partners to join it in doing same and having accreditation.
Living Wage week runs from 9-15 November this year and is the annual celebration of the Living Wage Movement which was launched by members of London Citizens in 2001. Parents in East London found that despite working on two or more minimum wage jobs they were struggling to make ends meet. They were left with no time for community and family life. We caught up with our co-founder, Nigel Willetts to learn more about the real Living Wage and why Calteq is such a keen supporter of it:
What is the real Living Wage?
The Living Wage campaign is an independent movement of businesses, organisations and people who believe a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. Employers choose to pay the real Living Wage on a voluntary basis and it also provides an ethical benchmark for responsible pay.
How does it differ from the minimum wage rate dictated by the government?
In April 2016 the government introduced a higher minimum wage rate for all staff over 25 inspired by the Living Wage campaign. This minimum wage is not calculated according to what employees and their families need to live. Instead, it is based on a target to reach 66% of median earnings by 2024. Under current forecasts, this means a rise to £10.50 per hour by 2024. For under 25s, the minimum wage rates also take into account affordability for employers.
Why is the real Living Wage rate higher?
The real Living Wage rates are higher because they are independently calculated based on what people need to get by. At Calteq we encourage all employers, that can afford to do so, to ensure their employees earn a wage that meets the costs of living, not just the government minimum.
What other benefits are there from being a real Living Wage employer?
Being a real Living Wage employer tells those outside our organisation about the kind of company that we are and the high morals we have as an employer. We would urge others to follow suit. Furthermore, it sends out a clear message to prospective employees as to what we are like to work for. This benefits us as a business as we are attracting like-minded candidates.
Since it began in 2001 the real Living Wage campaign has delivered over £1billion in extra wages and has also lifted over 240,000 people out of in-work poverty. Please join us in supporting this great initiative today. To find out more by visiting the website