As the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit the headlines, we are incredibly proud to have been accredited as a real Living Wage employer. But what is the real Living Wage and why are we joining 9000 other businesses in volunteering to pay it?
Why do we need a Living Wage?
As you probably know, employers have an obligation to pay employees no less than the minimum wage, which currently stands at £8.91 per hour. However, the minimum wage does not cover the cost of living and was not calculated with this in mind. This, in addition to the hike in the cost of living, is why many working families are still having to rely on food banks so that they do not go hungry, despite being in paid employment. This is even more of an issue in London where the cost of living is considerably higher.
What is the Living Wage?
The Living Wage is calculated on actual living costs and ensures employees are paid enough for everyday needs – such as a weekly shop and unexpected costs, like dental treatment, for example. The Living Wage across the UK is calculated as £9.90 but in London, where Marco HQ is based, it is actually £11.05 due to the cost of living being considerably higher here with Londoners paying more for rent, childcare, transport etc.
Why are we volunteering to pay it?
In the words of our founder, Surinder, “Creative industries such as ours aren’t always associated with low pay, probably because the range of salaries is so vast and there is the potential to become well paid. However, the reality is that designers starting out often really struggle for many years due to a combination of low starting salaries and having to work in cities where the costs of living are higher. But whatever sector you work in, you see people struggling – especially in London. Every business has a responsibility to ensure their employees are earning enough to live on and if small businesses like us can do it, all the big brands should be doing it too. Ultimately it is only going to boost the wider economy.”
Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation said: “We’re delighted that Marcomedia has joined the movement of almost 9,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on. They join thousands of small businesses, as well as household names such as Burberry, Barclays, Everton Football Club and many more. These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and they, like Marcomedia, believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.”
What can YOU do to help ensure people earn a living wage?
If you’re an employer you can find out how to get accredited here. But even if you don’t employ people, you can still help ensure that families earn enough to live on by raising awareness of the Living Wage. You can share this post, follow the real Living Wage on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook – and as a consumer you have to power to encourage the businesses you use to pay their staff a Living Wage if they don’t already.
And finally, you can show your support to the businesses that do support the real Living Wage. Speaking of which, if you know anyone who needs help with their design, print or web campaigns, tell them to call us on 0208 590 0922 or email us at info@marcomedia.co.uk – we’d love to help them!