BCC calls for cleaning sector organisations to consider paying a real Living Wage

Supporting the real Living Wage means committing to paying employees a wage which is independently calculated to meet everyday needs - like the weekly shop, or a surprise trip to the dentist.

Living Wage Week runs from Monday 14 March, to 18 March, and features a series of daily events organised by the Living Wage Foundation and Living Wage employers.

The BCC renewed its commitment to being a real Living Wage employer last January.

It believes the commitment to pay a real Living Wage should apply equally to directly employed staff and also to third party contracted staff in the industry.

BCC chairman Jim Melvin said: “We are proud to support the real Living Wage and strongly believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s wage and that applies to all staff within our industry, so we’d encourage business and organisations to also consider joining the scheme. 

“This year, with prices rising at their highest rate in decades, the real Living Wage has never been more important.

“Cleaning and hygiene staff are skilled, professional employees who do a vital, frontline role keeping others safe, well and healthy. After the incredible work that sector staff have done during the pandemic, we think they deserve to receive an appropriate wage. 

“Being a real Living Wage employer has huge benefits for business, such as making it easier to keep hold of staff and bringing benefits in terms of morale. It also has clear benefits for the client not only in terms of consistency of service from a settled team, but in being seen as being a dynamic and caring partner. It is definitely worth considering.”

The real Living Wage is higher than the Government’s National Living Wage. It is currently £10.90 in the UK, with a higher rate of £11.95 for London, reflecting the higher costs of living in the capital.

Find out more about the real Living Wage and Living Wage Week here: https://www.livingwage.org.uk/living-wage-week