Living Wage

Cleaners working for contractors OCS, which provides cleaning services in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council, have voted unanimously for strike action over a pay freeze. The 59 members of general union the GMB are seeking the London Living Wage of £8.55 an hour; they are currently paid £7.18 an hour.

But there was better news for staff at Gravesham council in Kent as the council has agreed to pay the Living Wage to all its staff. This means that 25 low-paid cleaners and office staff will get the Living Wage of £7.45 an hour, instead of the National Minimum Wage of £6.18 an hour.

www.gmb.org.uk/newsroom/strike-ballot-at-ocs-in-kc

www.gravesham.gov.uk/news/archive-2013/council-agrees-living-wage