Pay rise on the way

As National Living Wage week kicks off around the country, Oldham Council says it's delivering on a promise to residents by becoming an accredited Living Wage employer.

Cllr Sean Fielding, leader of Oldham Council, will confirm accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation at a ceremony in Salford on Monday.

The accreditation commits Oldham Council to paying at least the Foundation Living Wage to all staff, and to work with suppliers to ensure that they do the same.

Cllr Fielding will say: “We have a responsibility to ensure that all of our 2000 plus staff are paid a fair wage. As a large employer in Oldham we have to lead the way, and I hope others will follow our lead.

“People will look at today’s announcement and ask how we can afford it. But I believe paying a decent wage is vital. It helps us keep good staff, has been shown to increase productivity and allows people to live healthier and happier lives – all of which saves the council money in the long term.”