Council Leader announces new ‘living wage’ for all council workers and urges more employers to support campaign

Councillor Colin Lambert

Councillor Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “A fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay will be guaranteed for all staff at Rochdale Council”. 

In line with his vision to promote a fairer and more equal society for the people of Rochdale, the minimum pay rate for council workers will now be set at £7.26 per hour.

The rate increase for the council’s lowest paid workers will take effect subject to formal ratification at full council on 30 October and will be backdated to 1 September.

The National Living Wage Scheme has been adopted by hundreds of employers nationally across every sector. According to London Mayor Boris Johnson “It is an investment which makes sound business sense.”

Paying staff a living wage has broad benefits throughout society. It means more money is distributed throughout the local and greater economy. Staff are more committed to their work and there are lower sickness levels.

Councillor Lambert added: “We are proud to be able to ensure that our employees have the opportunity to provide a better standard of living for themselves and their families. We will be encouraging our partners and the broader business community to do the same.”

The National Living Wage Foundation was formed by a group of low paid workers who were working long hours doing two jobs and still could not make ends meet. According to their findings 80% of employers believe that the Living Wage had enhanced the quality of the work of their staff. They have had improved loyalty and customer service and fewer complaints. Adopting a Living Wage can cut absenteeism by 25%. 

National Living Wage Week is 4-10 October. For further information  go to www.livingwage.org.uk