Outsourced security guards working at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will be paid the New Zealand Living wage, effective September 2020.
Following on from the government’s commitment to offering fair pay and employment conditions, Allied Security New Zealand who employs the security guards, will now pay its employees $22.10 New Zealand dollars (£11.14) per hour, significantly higher than the New Zealand minimum wage of $18.90 (£9.53) per hour.
MSD was among the first government agencies to introduce the living wage in 2018 and actively encouraged Allied Security New Zealand to do the same when it signed a contract with the security service provider in July 2020.
Carmel Sepuloni, member of the New Zealand government, said: “Contracted security guards are one of the priority groups for improving fair pay. They’re the first person that people see when they come to MSD for help. They meet, greet and direct clients and are outside our offices during rain or shine. I’m proud to be leading the way for security guards to receive the living wage.”
“Studies show the introduction of the living wage improves morale, productivity and reduces staff absences and employee turnover. But more importantly this is about fair pay and employment conditions so that people have a decent standard of living, can provide for their families, participate in their communities and grow the economy.”