UK charity Muslim Aid has been accredited as a living wage employer as part of its strategy to enhance employee satisfaction and retention, and demonstrate its commitment to social justice.
As the charity’s head office is based in London, and the majority of its UK staff are based there, it wanted to ensure that all of its employees receive at least a minimum hourly wage of £13.15, which is the living wage rate for the capital and is higher than the current £11.44 government minimum wage for those aged 21 and above. The London rate works out at £23,933 per annum based on a 35-hour week.
The real living wage is calculated by the Living Wage Foundation according to the cost of living. It is a voluntary benchmark for employers that wish to ensure their staff earn a wage that is sufficient for a decent standard of living, rather than just the government minimum. The London rate is £13.15 per hour,
Zakya Hussain, head of people and culture and services at Muslim Aid, said: “Paying the real living wage is a commitment to existing and future employees that working for us means that they’re part of an organisation that lives by its values and treats people well, ensuring they will earn a good living for themselves and their families, as well as doing good for others in society.”
Khalid Javid, chief executive officer of Muslim Aid, added: “At Muslim Aid, we believe that dignity and respect should be the foundation of our employment practices. Committing to the living wage is more than a policy, it’s a reflection of our values and our dedication to our team.”
Initiatives that Muslim Aid has in place to enhance work-life balance include extra paid days off on the two Muslim festivals of Eid every year, paid pilgrimage leave, hybrid working, flexible working hours, remote work options and mental health support training. It also offers professional development training and wellness workshops that focus on stress management and health.