Heathrow becomes 1st living wage airport with 3,200 workers set for a rise
The UK’s busiest airport, Heathrow, is the first to ensure that its workers are paid the right Living Wage by the end of 2020.
The Living Wage Foundation marked a milestone in their long-term plan for sustainable growth through “a pay-rise to 3,200 workers.”
As a result, the new wage rises to £8.75 around the UK, and £10.20 in London, bringing a relief to thousands of UK workers.
The changes come after new research published by KPMG which showed that 5.5 million people across the UK are still paid less than the real Living Wage.
Katherine Chapman, Living Wage Foundation Director said “Poverty is today’s story with over 5.5 million people still paid less than the real Living Wage, it’s fantastic that this year alone over a thousand more employers have chosen to go beyond the legal minimum and pay a real Living Wage.”
So how is the Living Wage rates calculated?
The Living wage takes in considerations of the increase in Inflation with rising private rents and transport costs also having an impact. While, the 'National Living Wage' is based on a target to reach 60% of median earnings by 2020.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said “We firmly believe that paying the Living Wage is the right thing to do as a responsible employer. It will help us to attract and retain the best people, supporting them in building a rewarding career at Heathrow.”
The Living Wage movement campaigns for all employers that can afford to do so to ensure their employees earn a wage that meets the cost of living, not just the government minimum.
For more information visit www.livingwage.org.uk