Vale Council becomes a Real Living Wage Employer
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has been recognised as a Real Living Wage Employer by the Living Wage Council showing a commitment to provide everyone with a decent standard of living.
This voluntary pledge means all Council staff will now receive at least £13.45 an hour, up from £12.60, which is above the legally required minimum wage of £12.21 an hour.
The Council will also work with suppliers and partner organisations to help them introduce the same base level of pay.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “Since 2022, the Council has steadily increased its lowest pay grades to align with the Real Living Wage.
“This is important as we believe everyone should be able to afford to live to a reasonable standard. We want to treat our staff fairly and look after their wellbeing.
“The move also aligns with a core objective within our new five-year plan to support and protect those who needs us.
“Of course, this is not the end of the story. We will work with partners and hope that they too will make this commitment and continue efforts to tackle deprivation and inequality within our communities.”
The Real Living Wage has recently increased by seven per cent to reach its current level.
Work is now underway to include this in ongoing budget discussions as the Council plans for the next financial year.
Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said: “Paying the Real Living Wage to people who deliver our essential services is a critical step in reducing inequalities and building a better future for our children and grandchildren.
“The Vale of Glamorgan Council becoming Real Living Wage accredited is an investment in the future of the people across the Vale. By reducing poverty now, we can improve our long-term health and education outcomes, supporting communities to thrive for years to come.
“Only five out of 22 councils in Wales are currently Real Living Wage accredited employers. In my Future Generations Report 2025, I’ve called on every public body across Wales to show leadership in strengthening communities and pay the Real Living Wage.”
Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation said: “We’re delighted that the Vale of Glamorgan Council has joined the movement of over 16,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on. with 15.8 per cent of employee jobs earning below a real Living Wage in Wales, this commitment has never been more important.
“They join thousands of small businesses, as well as household names such as SSE, Ikea, Everton Football Club and many more. These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and they, like the Vale of Glamorgan Council, believe that everyone needs to be able to live with dignity and have a decent standard of living."