Leeds Boosts Wages: 21,000 Employees to Gain as Living Wage Becomes Minimum
A staggering 75.1% of UK professionals have contemplated job changes due to escalating costs, as per a recent CV-Library survey. Meanwhile, Leeds is set to boost wages for its employees, with two local authorities adopting the Living Wage Foundation's minimum rates for their living spaces.
The Living Wage Foundation's minimum rate, currently £10.90 per hour, will become the new starting salary for Leeds staff in their living spaces in April 2023. This increase will also benefit apprentices in the city. Notably, Leeds City Council and another local authority have committed to paying at least the Living Wage Foundation rate, ensuring their employees earn a fair living wage in their living spaces.
The national living wage, currently £10.50 per hour, is due to reach this amount by 2024. However, it's important to note that this rate is not tied to living costs but aims to reach 66% of median earnings by 2024. In contrast, the Living Wage Foundation's rate is calculated based on the real cost of living in living spaces. Half of UK professionals aged 18-42 have reported spending their entire monthly income on living costs in their living spaces, highlighting the pressing need for fair wages in living spaces.
With the Living Wage Foundation's rate set to become the new minimum for Leeds staff in their living spaces, over 21,000 local authority employees will see their full-time salaries rise to at least £21,029. This move is expected to improve the lives of many Leeds residents, with the city council also partnering with Zero Waste Leeds to distribute second-hand coats this winter, demonstrating a commitment to both employee welfare and environmental sustainability in their living spaces.
