Lambeth council is continuing to make progress in its plan to become a London Living Wage Council after agreeing a new services contract at Monday night's council cabinet meeting.
The Living Wage campaign was launched in 2001 by London Citizens. Every year an hourly rate is set by the Greater London Authority (GLA) which allows workers to earn enough to provide their families with the essentials of life. Employers then volunteer to pay their staff at this rate. This year's rates are £8.30 an hour (London) and £7.20 (outside of London). This compares to the legally enforced, country-wide National Minimum Wage of £6.08 an hour for those aged over 21.
The council had made payment of the London Living Wage a fundamental requirement of the services contract bidding process. The successful bid was made by Balfour Beatty and, as a result, more than 150 staff who provide cleaining, maintenance and security services to the council will see their wages increase. This will put them in line with the pay for all staff employed directly with the council, who have recieved the London Living Wage since 2006.
Sarfraz Jeraj, Chair of Lambeth Citizens said 'We congratulate Councillor Steve Reed and Lambeth Council for their pledge to become a fully accredited Living Wage Employer. Our member communities in Lambeth are delighted with the leadership shown by the council. This bold step will make a huge difference to the lives of hard working families in Lambeth. We look forward to seeing the Living Wage Employer Mark proudly displayed at council buildings across the borough.'
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