Sustain is a registered Living Wage Employer and we have long encouraged others in our network and alliance to do the same. When we talk about sustainable organisations and jobs we don't just mean the focus of the work - we also expect organisations to be tackling inequalities in the workforce through fair payment and inclusive recruitment and employment practices.
From 23 October 2024 the rates are now £12.60 across the UK, and £13.85 in London.
The real Living Wage is calculated by the Resolution Foundation based on actual costs for a decent standard of living, unlike the Government's National Living Wage which is calculated as a percentage of median earnings and only available to over 25 year olds. You can find out more about how the Living Wage rates are calculated on the Living Wage Foundation's website.
By being a real Living Wage employer, businesses and organisations can take a step to tackle the root causes of food poverty and poor nutrition. It is disheartening to know that the UK food system includes some of the lowest paid workers including many people that produce and serve our food.
However employees must be vigilant as the increases come in. There have been previous instances of employers using the rate increase to reduce contracted hours and benefits such as time off in lieu payments. Such practices go against the principles of an ethical wage, although it should be acknowledged that for smaller-scale businesses, any increase in costs - particularly in the current economic climate - can have a real impact on their margins or budgets. This is why our Sustainable Farming Campaign advocates for a system that supports good livelihoods for all.
Sustain alliance members that are registered with the Living Wage Foundation include Food Ethics Council, Soil Association, Compassion in World Farming and School Food Matters, plus many grassroots food and farming organisations.
We encourage more organisations to register with the Foundation, to not only indicate to prospective employees that they centre fairness, but to also act as a motivator for others to realise that low, unequitable wages should not be part of our sustainable food system.
Search for accredited real Living Wage employers or if you usually search for jobs on Roots to Work look out for organisations that have indicated that they are Living Wage employers on job listings.
