Doncaster-based Effective Consumable Solutions (ECS), has become the latest employer to become a real living wage employer.
The remanufacturing organisation, which provides green copier and printer consumables solutions, has now committed to paying all of its employees a minimum salary of £9.50 per hour, the living wage benchmark set for employers outside London.
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 real living wage is distinct from the statutory national living wage, which is currently 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.
Felicity Rabbitte (pictured), CEO of ECS, said: “Becoming a real living wage employer has been something that has been on our minds for some time.
“During these difficult times the effort and commitment from staff has been fantastic, and so we felt it was right we commit to this campaign.”
Rabbitte added: “By getting our real living wage accreditation, we can now feel confident we are paying a wage which helps employees meet everyday needs, something the minimum wage doesn’t do.”
Steven Meggett, the firm’s general manager said: “Research by the Living Wage Foundation has shown 93% of [organisations] who have taken the plunge and become a real living wage employer have seen enormous benefits themselves. This includes them having an enhanced local reputation, increased employee motivation, higher staff retention, as well as a competitive advantage.”
He added: “We’re excited for both our staff and the company to reap these rewards.”