Ringwood Town Council in Hampshire has been accredited as a living wage employer as part of its commitment to fair pay for its employees.
Every worker aged 18 and over at the council will now receive a minimum hourly wage of £12 as part of the accreditation. This is higher than the government’s current minimum wage for those aged over 21, which has been set at £11.44 per hour since April this year.
The real living wage rate, established by the Living Wage Foundation, is calculated on the actual cost of living. It offers a voluntary benchmark for employers that want to provide their staff with a wage that truly meets every day needs, rather than just the legal minimum.
With this move, Ringwood Town Council hopes to set a positive precedent for other local employer and encourage them to consider the real living wage as a standard for fair and sustainable employment practices. It also wants to ensure that its employees are compensated in a manner that reflects the true cost of living.
Councillor John Haywood, chair of the council’s staffing committee who championed the initiative, said: “Ensuring that our employees are paid a fair wage that reflects the true cost of living is not just the right thing to do, it’s essential for fostering a motivated, committed workforce. At Ringwood Town Council, we believe in leading by example. By becoming a living wage employer, we are making a clear statement about our values and our dedication to the wellbeing of our staff. This accreditation is a testament to our commitment to supporting the community we serve.”
