Everyone deserves a decent day’s pay in return for a hard day’s work, but sadly too many Ealing residents still have to survive on low wages, often reliant on in-work benefits to make ends meet for their families. During Living Wage Week, Ealing Council is encouraging the borough’s employers to sign up to paying the London Living Wage, an independently-set rate that reflects the real costs of living in London. Decent pay not only benefits the employee, but also helps the business too, helping to retain excellent staff. To support local businesses who want to do the right thing, Ealing Council offers a business rate discount for registered Living Wage employers.

Living Wage Week

This year Living Wage movement celebrates its 20-year anniversary. Take part in Living Wage Week between 15 and 21 November 2021 by finding out more about the movement, the benefits of becoming a Living Wage employer and taking part in the various events.

Ealing Council has proudly been a registered Living Wage employer since 2013. Recently, moving the council’s street services contract to a council-owned provider, Greener Ealing Ltd, meant we were able to ensure that all our hard-working waste, recycling and street-cleaning staff receive at least the London Living Wage.

What is it?

The real Living Wage is the only UK rate based on living costs. It is voluntarily paid by almost 9,000 UK employers who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets their everyday needs, rather than the government minimum. Currently, the real Living Wage in the UK is £9.50 per hour and £10.85 in London, with new rates to be announced on 15 November. This is distinct from the minimum wage set by the government, which is sometimes called the ‘Living Wage’.

Already a Living Wage employer?

Take part in the Living Wage Week by raising awareness of the movement, downloading social media resources and proudly displaying your support for better pay conditions for your staff.

Not a Living Wage employer?

If you are not part of the Living Wage movement yet, why not show your commitment to good jobs by becoming a Living Wage employer?

Why become a Living Wage employer?

• 93% of Living wage employers benefited from the accreditation
• 86% reported it enhanced their general reputation
• 80% saw an increase in the quality of work
• Get a business rate discount from Ealing Council.

Events

In the lead up to Living Wage Week, you can join a series of events on various topics. Have a look at the following free online webinars:

• The real Living Wage: What is it and why does it matter? – 15 November from 4 to 5pm. Learn more about the real Living Wage and what it could mean for your organisation, staff and local community
• The Future of Living Wage – The Future of Good Employment – 16 November, 4-5pm. A lively discussion about the future of good employment, exploring what the next 20 years might hold, projects such as Living Hours, Global Living Wage, Living Pensions and others
• Living Wage Places and inclusive local economies – 18 November, 2pm to 3.15pm. How institutions, civil society and business are working together locally to expand take-up of the real Living Wage as part of community wealth building
• Connecting the Dots on Living Wage Globally – 18 November, 3pm-6pm GMT/10am-1pm EST) How can multinational employers and investors ensure that workers across global operations and throughout supply chains are paid a real Living Wage?
• Living Hours- the next step in tackling in-work poverty – 19 November, 10-11am. Find out more about Living Hours and what it would mean for your organisation. Hear from employers and workers on the difference Living Hours made to them and their families.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for decent living incomes says:

“Ealing Council has proudly been a Living Wage employer since 2013 with its trading companies also currently in the process of becoming Living Wage employers.

We encourage all employers in Ealing to become a Living Wage employer and ensure their employees earn a wage that meets the REAL costs of living, not just the government minimum. This is your chance to invest in your staff, increase their motivation, happiness at work and retention while differentiating yourself from other employers.”

Good jobs for Ealing

Ealing’s Plan for Good Jobs is the council’s action plan that sets out the short-term actions that are needed to help Ealing’s economy recover from the pandemic. The plan sets out a number of key priorities for the council and its partners including helping residents into gainful employment by making it easier for them to find jobs, retrain and develop new skills for growth sector employment. Focus will also be on protecting and nurturing existing businesses and encouraging local employers to work with the council to create good jobs.

Ealing’s Plan for Good Jobs is the council’s commitment to help the borough get back on its feet and create a sustainable economy.