Boost for 45,000 workers as firms sign up to 'Living Hours' pledge
Dozens of firms have signed up to a “secure work” pledge for staff battling the cost-of-living crisis.
Fifty employers have backed the “Living Hours” pledge so employees get at least four weeks’ notice of shifts and a guaranteed minimum 16 hours a week.
Supporters say it helps give staff certainty, allowing them to plan better their financial outgoings because they know how much they will earn and when.
The scheme was launched by the Living Wage Foundation in a bid to crackdown on unscrupulous bosses who book or cancel shifts at short notice - often without compensating desperate workers.
Director Katherine Chapman said: “Insecure work makes planning a life and a budget almost impossible.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
“With almost one in three working adults in the UK being given less than a week’s notice of shifts, we’re calling on employers to join those who have already stepped up during the cost-of-living crisis and commit to provide workers with Living Hours alongside a Real Living Wage.”
Living Wage Foundation director Katherine ChapmanOnline investment service Wealthify was one of the first companies to accredit.
Chief executive Andy Russell said: “We’re extremely proud to be among the early adopters of the Living Hours accreditation - especially at a time when many are facing higher costs in our day-to-day lives.
“Ensuring fair pay and financial wellbeing among our staff is key to our company culture and has also enabled us to grow materially during a challenging time for the market.”
Firms which take part guarantee workers a minimum number of hours each week (Getty)The 50-firm landmark - benefiting an estimated 45,000 workers - comes as the Foundation celebrates signing the 12,000th firm to its flagship Living Wage initiative.
The Real Living Wage is £10.90 an hour across the UK, rising to £11.95 in London where costs are higher.
In contrast, the Government’s “National Living Wage” - a rebranded legal minimum - is £9.50 an hour and only applies to workers aged 23 and over.
Staff aged 21 and 22 get £9.18, those aged 18 to 20 receive £6.83 and under-18s just £4.81.
The campaign was begun by the Living Wage Foundation (Getty Images/Science Photo Library/SCU)The Foundation says a full-time worker on the Real Living Wage would be £2,730 better off compared with someone earning the Government’s National Living Wage.
Ms Chapman added: “We are delighted that we have reached the milestone of 50 accredited Living Hours employers and 12,000 Living Wage employers.
Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'
“Accredited Living Hours employers voluntarily commit to provide secure and reliable hours to staff alongside a Real Living Wage.
“At a time when low pay, precarious jobs and double-digit inflation are pushing millions to the financial brink, it’s hugely encouraging that momentum is building among employers to provide good work and decent jobs to staff.”
An estimated 4.8m workers are paid less than the Real Living Wage.
Analysts calculate the voluntary rate by taking into account costs like housing, travel and healthy food, and extras like kids’ birthday presents.
* Follow Mirror Politics on Snapchat, Tiktok, Twitter and Facebook
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
