PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 15/10/24
FEARLESS YOUTH ASSOCIATION (FYA) CELEBRATES COMMITMENT TO REAL LIVING WAGE
FYA has today accredited as a Living Wage Employer. Their Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at FYA receive a minimum hourly wage of £12 in the UK, higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £11.44 per hour.
FYA is based in the East Midlands, a region where over 15.7% of workers earn less than they need to get by, with over 299,000 jobs paying less than the real Living Wage. Despite this, FYA has committed to pay the real Living Wage and deliver a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work.
The real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to the costs of living. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that wish to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, not just the government minimum. Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 460,000 people and put £3 billion extra into the pockets of low paid workers.
“Our decision to become a Living Wage accredited employer reflects our commitment to valuing our employees and ensuring they are fairly compensated for their hard work. We believe that paying a real Living Wage is not only the right thing to do, but it also strengthens our business by fostering a more motivated and dedicated workforce. By investing in our team, we are investing in the long-term success and sustainability of our company, while also contributing to the well-being of the communities we serve.”
“Moving onto the real Living Wage has made a huge difference in my life. It’s given me peace of mind, knowing that I can cover my basic needs without constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. I feel valued by my employer, and it’s motivated me to give my best every day. Earning a fair wage has not only improved my financial situation but has also boosted my confidence and well-being.”
Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation said: “We’re delighted that FYA has joined the movement of over 14,000 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.
“They join thousands of small businesses, as well as household names such as Burberry, Barclays, 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 FYA, believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.”
ENDS
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
About the Living Wage
The real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to what people need to make ends meet. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that choose to take a stand by ensuring their staff earn a wage that meets the costs and pressures they face in their everyday lives.
The UK Living Wage is currently £12 per hour. There is a separate London Living Wage rate of £13.15 per hour to reflect the higher costs of transport, childcare and housing in the capital. These figures are calculated annually by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission, based on the best available evidence on living standards in London and the UK.
The Living Wage Foundation is the organisation at the heart of the movement of businesses, organisations and individuals who campaign for the simple idea that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. The Living Wage Foundation receives guidance and advice from the Living Wage Advisory Council. The Foundation is supported by our principal partners: Aviva; IKEA; Joseph Rowntree Foundation; KPMG; Linklaters; Nationwide; Nestle; Resolution Foundation; Oxfam; Trust for London; People’s Health Trust; and Queen Mary University of London.
What about the Government’s national living wage?
In July 2015 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the UK Government would introduce a compulsory ‘National Living Wage’, this was introduced in April 2016 and applied to all workers over the age of 25.
From 1st April 2024, workers aged 21 and over will be entitled to the National Living Wage which is £11.44 an hour. The Government’s rate is different to the Living Wage rates calculated by the Living Wage Foundation. The ‘National Living Wage’ is a legal minimum and is based on percentage of average earnings, whereas the Living Wage Foundation’s real Living Wage rates are voluntarily paid by employers. Our rates are independently calculated, updated annually according to the cost of living and apply to anyone aged 18 and over. The ‘National Living Wage’ also does not have a separate rate which accounts for higher living costs in the capital. A UK worker paid the real Living Wage earns an extra £1092 a year more than someone on the ‘National Living Wage’.
For more about the difference and how we calculate our rate see our website.
