Birmingham City Council has confirmed that any contractors hired to deliver works or services for the 2022 Commonwealth Games will be paid the voluntary living wage rate.
In a public report delivered to Birmingham City Council on 9 January 2018, the council stated that contracted organisations providing works, services or goods in relation to the Commonwealth Games will have to comply with Birmingham’s living wage policy. This stipulates that third-party contractors, as well as permanent employees, are paid at least the voluntary living wage rate of £8.75 an hour. The budget prepared for the Birmingham-based Commonwealth Games reflects the city’s living wage commitment.
Contractors hired in relation to the 2022 games will also need to regard the requirements of the Birmingham Business Charter for Social Responsibility. This aims to help the local economy by supporting local businesses, creating jobs and making sure employees are paid a fair wage.
Birmingham City Council was accredited as a living wage employer by The Living Wage Foundation in 2012-2013 after a change of political control at the local elections in 2012.
The living wage is an independently set hourly rate of pay that is calculated according to the basic costs of living. Employers pay the living wage on a voluntary basis, and the rate is updated annually. The living wage is currently set at £8.75 an hour for employees working across the UK and at £10.20 an hour for staff based in London. The higher London living wage reflects the increased living costs associated with residing in the capital.
The voluntary living wage is distinct from the statutory national living wage, which is paid to employees aged 25 and over. The national living wage rate is currently set at £7.50 an hour.
Birmingham City Council was awarded the Commonwealth Games on 21 December 2017. The tendering processes are ongoing.
The public report states: “The city council will require any contracted organisation delivering works and or services or goods in relation to the games to have regard to the requirements of the Birmingham Business Charter for Social Responsibility and act accordingly. Their compliance with the Birmingham living wage policy will also be a requirement.”