Council’s lowest paid staff to be paid national living wage

Councillor Richard Farnell

Rochdale Council is to increase the pay of 391 of its lowest paid employees from £7.43 to £7.85 an hour.

The increase will mean that those affected will now receive the equivalent of the national living wage, rather than the locally agreed living wage, which was previously implemented. The local rate was agreed on the basis that it was more closely aligned to the regional economy and the cost of living in the area.

But the council decided to review the rate following discussions with the trade unions, who requested that it implements the equivalent of the national rate, which is set by the social research charity, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Council Leader Richard Farnell said: “The employees who will receive this increase in pay make a huge contribution to the council and the wider borough by working hard in a number of roles and it is only right that we show our appreciation for this in a tangible way. This move will help to raise their living standards and help us to retain and attract high quality employees who serve our residents well. It will also benefit the local economy by giving people more money in their pockets to spend with Rochdale businesses.

“We would strongly encourage other local organisations, including organisations who work closely with the council, such as our suppliers, to follow our lead on this hugely important national issue.”

The proposal will now go through the council’s Employment and Equalities Committee, which is expected to formally endorse the measure before it is implemented on 1 April this year.