The Whittington Health NHS Trust has become a Living Wage Foundation accredited employer.
The trust, which runs the Archway, London-based hospital, will join 166 others that have already received this recognition after it committed to paying all staff, and its contractors, an hourly rate of at least £10.85.
The living wage set by the Living Wage Foundation is higher than the legal minimum rate set by the UK government, the national living wage, which is currently £8.91 an hour for people over the age of 23.
The hospital’s chief executive, Siobhan Harrington, said: “My colleagues have all worked unbelievably hard during the Covid-19 pandemic and it is simply the right thing to do to make this commitment, that they can be safe in the knowledge that they will always receive a living wage for the incredible work that they do.”
In addition, Whittington Health NHS Trust announced it will be supporting an initiative in Islington to make it north London’s first Living Wage Borough. It is one of 17 employers, which also includes Islington Council and the Archway Tavern pub, to do this.
Dionne Brooks, a member of Islington Council’s team, commented that Islington Council, as a living wage employer, has committed to paying its staff, apprentices and contractors at least the London living wage since 2012. This has resulted in better pay for many workers, including cleaners, security guards, grounds staff and school caterers.
“Working with the council made a huge difference to me. When you finish a day’s work and feel you’ve earned a proper wage, you want to go the extra mile and do the best you can,” she said.