Fuller’s to match Living Wage as part of training pledge

From 27 November 2015, any team member who is on, or has already completed, one of Fuller’s six development programmes will earn at least the future national living wage rate of £7.20. In addition, the minimum £7.20 pay rate will, at the same time, be applied to all 131 service coaches.

To further incentivise the development of its people Fuller’s will, on completion of a development programme stage, award a 4% pay increase. If a promotion is not available within six months of an employee completing one of the programmes, a further 4% pay increase will be given.

Fuller’s is also introducing improved terms and conditions for 115 of its key head chefs, with a new bonus scheme and improved benefits including participation in share ownership schemes, bringing the head chef package in line with the remuneration package given to Fuller’s general managers. The company said the move both recognises the increasing importance of food within the business and the highly competitive chef labour market.

Chief executive, Simon Emeny, said: “For some time now, we have been improving the way we reward and recognise the great people that work in our pubs and hotels. Internal research has shown us that fantastic development programmes and clear career opportunities are a better way of motivating and retaining great people than increased pay. However, we do want to reward those who commit to undertaking a development programme and these new pay rates do just that.

“One of my promises to the business since I took over as CEO was to increase the number of vacancies we filled with internal promotions – and it is paying off. Four out of the five operational reports to Fuller’s Inns MD, Jonathon Swaine, have been promoted internally and more of our general managers than ever have come through the Fuller’s Inns development programme. In addition, our Chef Scholarship programme – which has three levels from kitchen porter to head chef – is helping to attract the best people at all levels and inspiring some amazing culinary skills.

“This is a people business. Hopefully today’s announcement will ensure that we continue to attract the best new recruits in the years to come and will reinforce our position as the employer of choice.”