The Fed celebrated a landmark change to its salary structure this week when it became the latest of just 20 Bury organisations to adopt the Real Living Wage.
The voluntary pay increase is intended to meet the true cost of living and exceeds both the Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. Some 280 individuals of the charity’s approximately 350-person workforce will benefit from the change which equates to an average annual increase of £1,602.
Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council, was the guest of honour at a celebration at the charity’s Heathlands Village headquarters on April 4th.
“The pandemic has been the toughest time in people’s lives and careers,” Councillor O’Brien told a large gathering of all departments.
“The best way we can thank staff is by making sure you are paid the real living wage, and so the council committed last year to doing so.
“Through that commitment we’ve tried to push more money into the system to allow places like The Fed to pay that real living wage.
“You wouldn’t do this job if you didn’t care. It’s not a glamorous job, but you are the lifeblood of public service.
“I give huge credit to Fed Chief Executive, Mark Cunningham, and the whole team, for taking this step. It is so challenging in this environment but is a real investment into the success that is Heathlands Village.”
Members of The Fed’s Porters, Catering, and Care teams cut a commemorative cake to mark The Fed’s inclusion as a real leaving wage employer,
A delighted Mr. Cunningham reflected on the difference the real living wage will make to staff and the organisation as a whole.
“We are one of around 20 employers in Bury now paying the real living wage,” he told the gathering.
“We’re hoping to see that figure increase, but we’re setting the example and leading the way.
“I’m really proud of the brave step we’ve taken today. The cost to The Fed of introducing the real living wage is around £300,000 each year. This is a difficult job, and can be an amazing job, and this step is worth every penny.”