Milton Keynes Council backs living wage increase for employers

Milton Keynes Council is urging more organisations to join it as an official living wage employer.

MKC has been an official living wage employer for almost a year, being accredited in December 2015.

Next week will see the start of living wage week - aimed at encouraging other employers to get on board and praising those that have already embraced it - and MKC is strongly backing this message.

Council leader Pete Marland, said: “I am very proud to tell people that Milton Keynes Council is a fully accredited living wage employer.

“As the name suggests, it’s about helping people to earn a living – not just existing.

“Not surprisingly, research shows that organisations who have become living wage employers have noticed a happier and more productive workforce so accreditation benefits both sides.”

The living wage is a voluntary amount – currently £8.25 an hour or £9.40 in London - as opposed to the minimum wage of £7.20.

Council staff and employees of contractors who fit the Living Wage Foundation criteria receive a salary which reflects the basic costs of living in the UK.

Research shows that 80 per cent of employees surveyed say their staff seem happier and more productive since they brought in the living wage.