Speaking during the recent Living Wage Week, the Living Wage Foundation’s partnership and campaigns manager Lianna Etkind urged more operators to join the movement.
“We would like more pubs to accredit as Living Wage employers. Around 94% of employers say they have benefited from accreditation.”
Recent data has shown that the real living wage rate has now risen from £12.60 an hour to £13.45 for over 18s, which means nearly half a million workers across the UK will earn £2,500 more a year than those of the legal minimum wage.
One operator who has benefited is Hayley Pellegrini, co-found of the Pelle Pub Co, which runs four operations across Cambridge, including the Alexandra Arms, The Portland Arms, The Castle Inn and Hudson’s Ale House.
Benefits to accreditation
She said it was well worth operators considering, despite the increased costs: “Being a member of the real Living Wage Foundation has multiple benefits, from staff appreciation to better retention, as well as a good tool for attracting new staff.
“The level of retention alone covers the cost, as recruiting new staff and training them is expensive, retaining a loyal and happy team under the Living Wage makes our job much easier.”
Katherine Chapman, executive director of the Living Wage Foundation, added: “We are proud of our growing network of over 16,000 accredited Living Wage Employers, including the Pelle Pub Company, who have chosen to invest in their staff and strengthen their communities.
“Paying the real Living Wage is a simple but powerful commitment. It means that people are more likely to feel secure, valued, and able to plan for the future.
“In a time when many households are still feeling the pressure of rising costs, the difference this makes is significant. The real Living Wage is also good for business, helping to improve staff retention, morale and productivity, and it supports stronger local economies.”