Southwark maintains status as a Living Wage Place for another 3 years

10 November 2023

The Living Wage Foundation has recognised Southwark as a Living Wage Place, a status that it will have for three more years. The accreditation acknowledges the work the council and local organisations do to raise awareness of the Living Wage and promote accreditation amongst local employers.

Southwark has a Living Wage Place Action Group that meets quarterly and campaigns for the Living Wage in between meetings. This influential group consists of universities, property developers, charities, business improvement representatives and other local employers both big and small.

There are 312 accredited Living Wage Employers in Southwark and 4885 people have had a pay rise due to their employer being accredited. The ambitious group plans to double the number of Living Wage Employers in Southwark by 2026.

Commenting on the news Cllr Seaton, Cabinet Member for Jobs Skills and Business, said: “I’m delighted that Southwark has continued to be recognised as a Living Wage Place. We work closely with partners based in the Borough to raise awareness of the Living Wage and increase the number accredited employers based in Southwark. The Living Wage is something I care passionately about, it has benefits for businesses, Southwark residents and the wider economy.”

To support this work, Southwark’s Living Wage Unit has announced a new grant which will cover the accreditation fees for up to three years for newly accredited Living Wage employers based in Southwark. The scheme is open to employers with 250 employees or fewer. Find out more and apply online.

Southwark Living Wage Place Action Group’s partner, London College of Communication, has produced a short film to celebrate Living Wage Week. The film hears from Borough Market, Camberwell based charity Spring Community Hub and zero-waste shop Jarr Market in Herne Hill explain why they decided to become Living Wage Employers and what benefits they have had since accrediting. You can view the full video

If you have any questions on the Living Wage please contact SouthwarkBusinessDesk@southwark.gov.uk.

Page last updated: 10 November 2023