We very much welcome the increase in UK rates announced by the Living Wage Foundation as part of Living Wage Week: November 5th-11th 2017.

As an accredited Living Wage employer, we are committed to pay our direct employees and subcontractors, at least the voluntary living wage rate.

The real Living Wage rates are independently-calculated according to the basic costs of living. It is the only UK wage rate that is voluntarily paid by over 3,500 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work.

Michael Lambe, Director, M. Lambe Construction, said: “We are very proud to implement this pay increase. Our team are very loyal and hardworking and it is only right that we reward them with a level of salary that ensures they can afford to live with dignity.

Through training programmes, apprenticeship schemes and career progression, we invest in our people to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver each project to the highest standards our clients have become accustomed to.

Michael added: “It makes total sense for us; not only does it help our employees, but it helps our business by improving motivation, and retaining and attracting a quality workforce.”

Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “Year-on-year, we see organisations and businesses across the UK embracing the real Living Wage as they recognise that a fair day’s pay is not only the right thing to do, but can improve the quality of staff’s work, reduce absenteeism and increase motivation and retention.”

“The latest increase acknowledges that the cost of living continues to rise for workers everywhere and the leadership shown by businesses who welcome this is a cause for celebration, sending a positive message to the business community to show what others can achieve.”