Thousands to benefit from the Real Living Wage

Thousands of the lowest-paid social care and other workers are to get a pay rise, most of them employed in the private sector.

Bury Council has announced that it will bring in the Real Living Wage for those who have been at the forefront of keeping us safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

For a full-time employee that could be an increase of around £1,500 per year.

The Real Living Wage for 2020/21 is £9.50 an hour for people over 18, compared to the National Living Wage of £8.72 for those over 25.

The move would benefit an estimated 4,200 adult social care workers in the borough, who work for companies the council commissions to provide services. The council currently spends £55 million a year on adult social care, the biggest single item of expenditure in its budget.

It would also increase pay for nearly 900 council workers, the vast majority working in schools in catering, cleaning and mid-day supervisor roles.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “These staff play a vital role in delivering public services, never more so than the last 12 months. For too long they have been undervalued and underpaid, and they deserve to be better rewarded.

“This is a key part of our aspirations for the future of Bury – about lowering levels of deprivation and increasing average earnings across the borough, which will also encourage skills development.”

The Real Living Wage will be phased in over three years, and written into the contracts the council has with its service providers.

Cllr O’Brien added: “This will also benefit local businesses, as people will have more money in their pocket.

“Around 7,000 companies across the country pay the Real Living Wage, and they say it has led to higher staff motivation and productivity, fewer absences and lower staff turnover.

“A number of firms in Bury have already signed up to this commitment, and we hope many more will follow our lead.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 26 February 2021.