The accolade was handed to the council in recognition of its continued commitment to the Living Wage over a number of years, as well as its achievements over the past 12 months.
The council has actively promoted the campaign for employers to pay the Living Wage since 2014 as part of its anti-poverty strategy.
Since the Living Wage campaign in Cambridge was launched in November 2014, the number of accredited organisations in the city has gone from 16 to 51. A further 50 organisations have confirmed that they recognise the Living Wage and have adjusted their pay scales to take it into account.
The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, published on 26 October by the Office for National Statistics, shows that in April 2014, the average hourly wage of the lowest 10% of hourly earnings for Cambridge was £7.27 per hour, 38p lower than the Living Wage at the time.
In April 2016, the average hourly wage for the lowest 10% of hourly earnings for Cambridge was £8.16, 9p lower than the Living Wage at the time.
The Living Wage Champion Awards celebrate those employers that have recognised the huge impact that the Living Wage can have on their employees and the major contribution paying the Living Wage makes to individuals, families and to the business community.
The announcement of the council’s award arrives during national Living Wage Week which began with news that the revised Living Wage pay rate for 2017-18 is now £8.45 per hour (outside London).
In Cambridge, Living Wage Week will include a number of activities including a special event celebrating Living Wage employers at Anglia Ruskin University’s campus on East Road tomorrow Wednesday 2 November.
This will include talks, music and a ‘Living Wage marketplace’ where some of Cambridge’s 51 accredited organisations will show off their goods and services.
Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “This award is tremendous news for the council and it is an honour to have won the award for the second year in succession.
“Since becoming accredited as a Living Wage employer ourselves in 2014, we have worked hard to promote the very real benefits to employers and employees of becoming Living Wage accredited, and we will continue to champion these benefits.”
“In the Cambridge area 51 organisations are now accredited employers, which is a significant achievement. However, there is still plenty of work to do as Cambridge remains an expensive city to live and work in.
“By paying the Living Wage employers can retain their staff longer, keep them more motivated and improve their organisation’s image with the public. I’d urge any employer in the city to get in touch with the council to find out more about the benefits of becoming accredited.”
Living Wage Foundation Director, Katherine Chapman, said: “Congratulations to Cambridge City Council on becoming a Living Wage Champion Award winner. With 2,800 employers now signed up, it is wonderful to have the city council leading the way in the East of England.
“The leadership of responsible employers is making a profound difference in the lives of families and communities across the UK. Thank you very much for celebrating and championing the Living Wage in your city.”
Employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis and can then seek accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation. The campaign’s aim is to encourage employers to pay all staff more than the national minimum wage, to reflect the true cost of living.
During the last year the council has contacted more than 1,000 local organisations, and has held four events to promote the Living Wage.
For more information about the Living Wage visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/living-wage; www.livingwage.org.uk
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