Council aims to pay London Living Wage to all direct employees

Brent Council has pushed forward with their plans to support low paid workers after agreeing to seek accreditation as a London Living Wage (LLW) employer last night (Monday).

As part of the plans, agreed by the council’s executive, the council will seek to ensure all council employees receive the living wage.

A requirement for contractors to pay their employees the LLW will be examined case-by-case rather than implemented uniformly and the council will also promote the living wage to Brent’s schools, businesses and other organisations.

The Living Wage Foundation has found that payment of the living wage, which is currently £8.30 per hour, reduces staff turnover, improves productivity and reduces sickness absence.

The council also claim the LLW would help to boost incomes in Brent, which in 2010 was estimated to have the second lowest median and mean average income levels all London boroughs.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “We are showing our commitment to lifting the incomes and living standards of our residents and employees by seeking to become a LLW employer.

“I know how hard it is for many people out there at the moment, so by taking a lead on fair pay we can make a real difference to people’s day-to-day lives.”

Cllr Michael Pavey, who is the council’s LLW champion, said: “The LLW makes excellent business sense. It enhances productivity and reduces recruitment costs. I look forward to working with local businesses to roll the LLW out across Brent.”