Nationwide says 'pay up' on Living Wage

Organisations that can afford to pay the Living Wage should do so, according to research by Nationwide Building Society.

The Living Wage, currently set at £7.85, or £9.15 in London, is higher than the current National Minimum Wage of £6.50 an hour for workers 21 and over.

The Nationwide’s research, which surveyed 1,566 UK adults, found that almost nine out of 10 respondents (87%) believe that organisations that can afford it should pay the Living Wage.

It also found that three-quarters (75%) of respondents believe employers should be required to reveal whether they are Living Wage payers.

Almost three out five respondents (58%) said they would be more likely to make use of goods and services from a Living Wage employer.

Three-quarters (75%) think the National Minimum Wage for apprentices should be higher than its current rate of £2.73 an hour although this is set to rise to £3.30 in October.

Alison Robb from the Nationwide said: “Paying the Living Wage demonstrates investment in those who work for us and, in turn, our employees feel more respected and valued.”

Rhys Moore, director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “The accreditation of Nationwide as a Living Wage employer a year ago has helped bring the Living Wage to high streets. Conversations at local branches and in national boardrooms have been sparked by [its] commitment to fair pay and the Living Wage movement.

www.nationwide.co.uk/about/media-centre-and-specialist-areas/media-centre/press-releases/archive/2015/4/13-employers-should-pay-living-wage