New analysis, released by professional services firm KPMG on 4 November 2019, found that the proportion of jobs that pay below the so-called real Living Wage has fallen to a seven-year low. This year, 19% of UK jobs paid below the voluntary rate of £9.00 per hour and £10.55 in London, down from 22% in 2018.
This morning on 11 November, an increase in new Living Wage rates was announced at the launch event of the Living Wage Week. In London, the real Living Wage rates will increase from £10.55 to £10.75 per hour. Every year the Living Wage Foundation reviews the current rates to ensure the real Living Wage is always reflective of the country’s current economy and is independently calculated based on what people need to live on.
Given the current economic and political outlook, the benefits of paying the real Living Wage might not be immediately obvious because of associated employment costs. However, Church House Westminster strongly believes that the costs are completely outweighed by the tangible benefits to everyone involved.
Paying a real Living Wage seriously benefits employee wellbeing. Since becoming an accredited Living Wage employer in 2014, the Westminster venue has reaped the benefits of fair pay with higher employee engagement rates and increased productivity. These gains have also encouraged Church House Westminster to adopt smarter job designs and more efficient skill utilisation. Increased staff retention and employee motivation empower the Westminster venue to continue to offer award-winning client service. Paying a real living wage has also given the multi-purpose events venue an edge on their competitors in securing quality staff.
As an accredited employer through the Living Wage Foundation, all the staff, both directly and indirectly employed at the Westminster venue, including contracted staff, porters, catering, cleaning, and temporary staff will receive the increased rate.
It is also the right thing to do for business as Robin Parker, General Manager of Church House Westminster, commented: “Being an accredited Living Wage employer, a badge we are very proud to wear, has made Church House Westminster more competitive and improved our reputation. We have been able to differentiate ourselves from other venues in the industry as we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Clients appreciate the fact that we have a visible statement showing that we care deeply for our team members, which has subsequently resulted in new business on several occasions. Equally, as far as the events industry is concerned, paying a real Living Wage improves professionalism in the events industry, which is critical in attracting new talent, and for those considering joining the world of hospitality and events to view such an opportunity as a long-term career option, and not just a stopgap”.
Church House Westminster is calling upon all other venues in the events industry to follow suit and commit to becoming accredited Living Wage employers. After all, a fair day’s work should mean a fair day’s pay!
Meet the team at Church House Westminster.