Living wages at Hyndburn Council

Hyndburn Council has continued its policy to pay its employees no less than the ‘Living Wage’ rate, which has increased recently from £7.20 to £7.45 per hour for those aged 21 and over.

The idea of a Living Wage rate was initially developed in London but more recently a Living wage rate has been determined for the rest of the country. The principle underlying the Living Wage is a simple and powerful one and it is that work should bring dignity and should pay enough to provide families the essentials of life.

The Living Wage differs from the National Minimum Wage and recognises that the statutory minimum pay requirements don’t always ensure that families can afford the necessary goods and services that they need to achieve a minimum acceptable standard of living.
Since its launch the Living Wage campaign has become a powerful force for change in London and it is estimated that over 10,000 families have been lifted out of working poverty as a direct result of the campaign. Outside London the campaign is less well known but it is starting to gain momentum. In total, over 140 employers from every sector have adopted the Living Wage.

Cllr Joan Smith, Church Ward councillor and Cabinet Member with responsibility for pay and employment conditions, said “Paying our employees a living wage makes good business sense and ensures our lowest paid employees are not overly disadvantaged during a period of public sector pay freezes. We are also keen to raise awareness about the Living Wage and hope that our decision will encourage other employers in the area to become Living Wage employers.”