Total Media gains living wage accreditation

Vicky Cooper

Media strategy organisation Total Media has been accredited as a living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation.

The organisation has committed to paying its 129 permanent employees, as well as any third-party contractors, at least the voluntary living wage rate of £8.75 an hour for staff working in the UK and £10.20 an hour for employees based in London.

Total Media will implement the living wage rates from 17 February 2018.

The living wage is an independently set hourly rate of pay that is calculated according to the basic costs of living. Employers pay the living wage rate, which is updated annually, on a voluntary basis. The living wage is currently set at £8.75 an hour for employees working across the UK and at £10.20 an hour for staff based in London. The higher London living wage reflects the increased living costs associated with residing in the capital.

The voluntary living wage is distinct from the statutory national living wage, which is paid to employees aged 25 and over. The national living wage rate is currently set at £7.50 an hour.

Vicky Cooper (pictured), head of people and culture at Total Media, said: “A business is only as good as its talent, and we strive to ensure our employees are valued and their wellbeing is a key priority of our business. In a competitive market, we know we can offer employees a fantastic experience and our voluntary commitment to the living wage reflects this.”