British insurer Aviva and global investment organisation Standard Life Aberdeen have become living hours organisations, accredited by the Living Wage Foundation.
The Living Hours programme provides an enhanced standard for employers to abide by, going beyond the commitments of the Living Wage accreditation. Aviva and Standard Life Aberdeen, whichare the first organisations to become accredited living hours employers, will commit to providing employees with a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours per week, unless they request shorter hours, at least four weeks’ notice for every shift, with guaranteed full pay ifany shifts are cancelled.
In addition, the organisations will pay UK-based employers at least £9.30, or £10.75 in London, in line with the living hours rates set by the Living Wage Foundation.
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.
Danielle Harmer, chief people officer at Aviva, said: “It is time to put an end to insecure working contracts with unpredictable hours. Now more than ever, with so many employees facing uncertainty, being unable to rely on a steady income, even in the short term, is adding to the stress people are experiencing. The Living Hours programme plays a crucial role in providing people with financial security, clarity and certainty.”
Sandy MacDonald, global head of corporate sustainability at Standard Life Aberdeen, added: “We have been delighted to work with Living Wage Foundation, other employers, and experts from across civil society to develop this accreditation and to be one of the first accredited Living Hours employers. The Living Hours programme addresses a key issue in driving work poverty and is a practical, voluntary commitment employers can make to give employees more security and confidence in planning their own and their families lives.”
