Cardiff Capital Region has received real living wage employer accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation.
The commitment will see every employee at the organisation receive a minimum hourly wage of £12. This is higher than the government minimum for people over the age of 21, which currently stands at £11.44 per hour.
The accreditation formally recognises the region’s commitment to fair pay and driving inclusive economic growth, which it is doing by taking steps to support its employees and demonstrate how valued they are.
Cardiff Capital Region is also a tenant in Cardiff University’s sbarc|spark, which is a living wage building, with all tenants obliged to pay the real living wage to employees and onsite contractors.
The real living wage is calculated based on the cost of living. In Wales, 12.9% of workers, equating to 161,000 jobs, are paid less than the real living wage.
Kellie Beirne, chief executive of Cardiff Capital Region, said: “Fair economic opportunity is central to Cardiff Capital Region’s ambitions to foster good growth across our region. Our accreditation as a real living wage employer formally recognises our long-standing commitment to ensuring fair wages within our organisation, a milestone that sets the standard for businesses across our region.
“By transitioning to a corporate joint committee, Cardiff Capital Region has gained new powers and responsibilities, which has made formal accreditation possible and allowed us to carve our own identity and mature as an organisation.”
Councillor Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff Council and deputy chair of Cardiff Capital Region Committee, added: “Since becoming a public body earlier this year, CCR’s commitment and determination to further fairer working in our region aligns with Cardiff Council. As chair of the Cardiff Real Living Wage Steering Group and Action Team, I’m an advocate for fair wages, which keep money within our local economy. I’m glad to see further progress being made to strengthen the commitment to fair pay across the city region.”
