The Labour administration at Thanet Council has announced at the recent Full Council meeting that Thanet will now be a Living Wage Council. As part of the new Pay and Reward scheme introduced at Thanet Council, they will now be paying all members of staff the Living Wage. Thanet Council has released a statement saying:
"This means that the council is one of a number of employers leading the way in ensuring that all employees are paid at least the Living Wage which is currently set at £7.45 per hour (compared to the current minimum wage which is £6.19 per hour).The Living Wage campaign is an example of communities, business, campaigners and faith groups coming together to find practical, non-statutory means to address working poverty and strengthen families which has now grown into a national movement. Existing Living Wage employers have reported improved morale, lower staff turnover, reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and improved customer service.
Since 2001 the campaign has impacted over 45,000 employees and put over £210 million into the pockets of some of the lowest paid workers in the UK.
Paying the Living Wage is a recognised sign of good practice in employment.
Leader of the Council, Cllr. Clive Hart said "This is great news for Thanet and underlines the council's ongoing commitment to help to lift more local families out of working poverty. We want to encourage good people to work at the council and paying the Living Wage is not only morally right but is an investment which makes sound business sense."
At a time when Town Hall budgets are being squeezed by Central Government cuts, it is important to prioritise. Thanet's Labour administration is leading the way and will continue to fight to help those most in need.
