Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has been accredited as a living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation.
The charity has committed to paying its 127 employees at least the voluntary living wage rate of £8.45 an hour. This will apply to both direct staff and third-party contractors.
The living wage is a voluntary, hourly rate that is calculated according to the basic cost of living. The rate is independently set and updated annually. The living wage for employees working in London is £9.75 an hour to reflect the higher cost of living in the capital.
The voluntary living wage is distinct from the statutory national living wage rate, which is paid to employees aged 25 and over. The national living wage is currently £7.50 an hour.
Mick Tinkler, chief executive officer at Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “We are pleased to be recognised by the Living Wage Foundation and be part of a network of responsible employers. We place staff support, development and retention at the heart of our charity’s strategy so it is important for our charity to provide a positive, encouraging and rewarding place to work for staff. Paying a living wage is just one way of our charity invests in our people, the communities we serve, and the UK economy.”
Laura Page, human resources manager at Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, added: “We see the living wage as a major commitment to fairness and hope it will make Age UK [Nottingham and Nottinghamshire] stand out as an organisation people want to work for. We want to be the best employer we possibly can.”