- 18/11/2019
- Posted by: Lesley Griffiths MS
- Category: News
Wrexham’s Assembly Member has welcomed the news thousands of working people across Wales are set to receive a pay rise.
To coincide with the Living Wage Week campaign (11 – 15 November), Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford announced this year’s Living Wage for Wales will be £9.30 an hour – an increase of 30p from last year.
Lesley Griffiths AM has welcomed the 3% hourly rise which is in recognition of inflation and in response to the ongoing issue of in-work poverty.
She said: “Paying the Living Wage is common sense. Not only does it support workers and their families by enabling them to meet their financial needs but it is also good for business. Being a responsible employer and making sure staff feel valued will yield a more committed workforce who are proud to represent the organisation.”
“Living Wage Week provides a great opportunity to promote fair pay for all and the many benefits of the Real Living Wage. The Welsh Labour Government has also expressed its commitment to supporting organisations that choose to adopt the Living Wage so I hope it helps encourage even more local businesses to sign up and become accredited Living Wage employers.”
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary higher rate of base pay. The ‘new minimum wage’, which is independently calculated every year by the Living Wage Foundation, provides a benchmark for responsible employers who choose to pay their employees a rate that meets the basic cost of living in the UK.
More than 6,000 UK businesses currently pay the Living Wage rate. Approximately 200 of which are headquartered in Wales, including local organisations such as Coleg Cambria, Glyndwr University and Nu Instruments based on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.
The Welsh Government is keen to ensure more workers benefit from the Living Wage and is committed to making Wales a Fair Work Nation.
