Living Wage introduced by Thanet Council

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.

Introducing Louise Drelaud and Will Scobie as the prospective Labour candidates for Margate & Cliftonville

Louise Drelaud and Will Scobie have been selected as the prospective Labour candidates in Margate and Cliftonville for next May's Kent County Council (KCC) elections. Both are proven local campaigners and have a record of fighting for the best interests of the residents of Margate and Cliftonville. Louise has lived in Margate with her partner and Chairman of Thanet District Council (TDC) Cllr. Doug Clark for many years, while Will is Margate born and bred.

Louise Drelaud has been a long serving Labour supporter and member, and previously worked as a Sales Executive in Canterbury. Louise is also a former Mayoress of Margate, and is currently the civic escort for the Chairman of TDC. Charity work has always been a passion for Louise, and supporting the third sector will be one of her main focuses. Louise says, "Will and I are keen to listen to the views of residents, and as such we will always make ourselves available to help people. We are aiming to hold regular surgeries throughout Margate and Cliftonville, and we will keep residents informed of our work through our quarterly newsletter."

Will Scobie has been a Labour member since he was 16 years old, and has campaigned to protect local people from cuts imposed by the Coalition Government. Will is one of the elected Councillors for Dane Valley ward in Margate since May 2011, and is currently involved in a much wider civic role representing the town. Politics has always been a key part of Will's life, and he has just passed his two year Masters in European Governance with a merit at the University of Kent in Canterbury. Will also works part time as a caseworker for an MEP, and so has lots of experience in politics. Will says, "This is an incredibly important election because Margate and Cliftonville residents need Labour Councillors to fight to protect them from the cuts being    enforced by the Coalition Government. Our campaign will focus on ensuring that much needed public services such as our local youth services and libraries are kept open."

Contact details:

Email - margateandcliftonvillelab@gmail.com

Phone - 01843 220174 or 07792416865

Twitter - @willscobie