London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has gained living wage accreditation after agreeing to pay staff in the capital a minimum rate of £11.95 an hour.
The LCCI made the pledge as part of its “dedication and commitment to improving working conditions, boosting productivity, retaining staff and encouraging other employers to do the same”.
Awarded by the Living Wage Foundation, the accreditation is given to organisations that are prepared to pay employees a rate in line with the cost of living. Outside London, the UK living wage is currently £10.90 per hour, which is higher than the government’s £10.42 minimum for workers overs 23.
Richard Burge, chief executive officer at LCCI, said: “London Chamber has always expressed its concerns and prioritised employee wellbeing and motivation at workplace over any other factor. Our job is to bring changes at the ground level not just through advocating on behalf of thousands of London businesses but to also set a good example back home.”
The LCCI is based in central London, where 13.6% of all salaries equate to less than the real living wage. The London living wage takes into account the higher costs of housing, childcare and transport in the capital.
Burge added: “I am proud of all LCCI members who are great assets to the team and make this Chamber what it is today. The living wage accreditation is proof of our dedication and commitment to improving working conditions, boosting productivity, retaining staff and encouraging other employers to do the same.”
Promoting a “fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work”, the living wage movement was developed to provide a benchmark for organisations that want to make sure their workforce earns a wage they can live on rather than the minimum rate set by the government. So far, more than 13,000 employers have signed up since it was set up 20 years ago.
