British gas and oil organisation BP is to pay all UK employees at least the voluntary living wage, improving base salaries for 6,000 members of staff, effective immediately.
The organisation will pay its UK-based employees at least £9.30 an hour, in line with the living wage rates set by the independent accreditation organisation the Living Wage Foundation. Employees working outside of London will receive a minimum of £10.72 per hour, accommodating the higher costs associated with living in the capital.
The living wage is an independently set hourly rate of pay, calculated according to the basic costs of living. Employers pay the living wage rate, which is updated annually, on a voluntary basis.
The voluntary living wage is distinct from the statutory national living wage, which is paid to employees aged 25 and over. The current legal minimum requirement that an organisation must pay its employees currently stands at £8.72 per hour for employees over 25.
This commitment is part of BP’s aim to reward its employees who are working on the front-line during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
Peter Mather, head of country, UK at BP, said: “We’re proud to pay the real living wage as it reflects the importance of BP’s front-line team members. They bring our purpose and values to life every day, providing fuel and food to millions of customers a year even through the challenges of this most difficult year.”