Living Wage Week is an annual celebration of the real Living Wage, a movement led by the Living Wage Foundation that ensures workers are paid a fair wage that reflects the actual cost of living. Greater Manchester has long been a hub of Living Wage advocacy, with a growing number of employers joining the movement to pay their workers more than the national minimum wage.
This week, Greater Manchester’s commitment to the Living Wage was on full display with events, new accreditations, and inspiring stories. Here’s a roundup of some of the fantastic initiatives and accomplishments from Living Wage Week in Greater Manchester.
1. New Employers Committing to the Living Wage
A big highlight of the week was the announcement that several prominent Manchester-based businesses and organisations had become newly accredited Living Wage Employers. This means they have committed to paying all their employees at least the Living Wage, currently set by the Living Wage Foundation based on actual living costs. Newcomers to the Living Wage family include businesses across various sectors, from retail to hospitality and professional services.
This is a huge step forward for the city, where many workers will now have a more stable income, leading to better financial security, reduced stress, and the ability to participate more fully in their communities.
2. Support from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority, led by Mayor Andy Burnham, once again showed strong support for the Living Wage. The GMCA held a special Living Wage Week event to bring together business leaders, policymakers, and Living Wage advocates to discuss the benefits of paying a fair wage. The Authority has pledged to support more employers in the region to join the movement, with the ultimate goal of making Greater Manchester a true Living Wage City Region.
By putting the spotlight on fair wages, the GMCA highlighted the connection between good wages, improved mental health, and economic growth, demonstrating why paying a Living Wage is not only a moral imperative but also a sound economic strategy.
3. Celebrating Living Wage Champions in the Community
Throughout Living Wage Week, the Living Wage Foundation recognized “Living Wage Champions” in Greater Manchester. These champions include business leaders, employees, and advocates who have gone above and beyond to push the Living Wage movement forward in their workplaces and communities.
Stories of these champions were shared on social media and in local press, inspiring others to join the cause. One standout was a Manchester hospitality worker who shared how their employer’s commitment to the Living Wage had made it possible for them to return to education while working, thanks to financial stability.
4. Living Wage Week Event at Manchester Cathedral
On Wednesday, Manchester Cathedral hosted an inspiring Living Wage Week event, bringing together a diverse crowd of advocates, employers, and employees. The event included speeches from local leaders, personal stories from workers benefiting from the Living Wage, and breakout sessions focused on how businesses can make the transition to paying fair wages.
The setting of Manchester Cathedral added to the spirit of unity and hope, as local faith leaders highlighted the importance of dignity in work and the shared responsibility to care for the community.
5. A Focus on Retail and Hospitality Sectors
A key focus this week was on the retail and hospitality sectors, which employ many workers in Greater Manchester. These industries often face challenges in paying higher wages due to thin profit margins, but several restaurants, shops, and cafes announced their commitment to the Living Wage this week.
By becoming accredited Living Wage Employers, these businesses are making a significant impact on the lives of their employees, allowing them to better afford essentials like housing, utilities, and food. Their actions set a strong example and show that fair pay is possible, even in industries that face unique challenges.
6. Young People and the Living Wage Movement
The Living Wage Foundation has also been engaging with young people across Greater Manchester, especially through events held at local colleges and universities. Young workers are some of the most affected by low pay, so several workshops and presentations this week focused on raising awareness of wage rights and the benefits of the Living Wage.
Students in attendance had the opportunity to learn about how the Living Wage can support them in the future, both in their job searches and in demanding fair treatment in the workplace. It was empowering to see young people get involved and passionate about fair pay for all workers.
7. Manchester Businesses Leading the Way
Living Wage Week brought to light several case studies of Manchester businesses that have been successfully paying the Living Wage for years. These stories helped illustrate the benefits for businesses, from improved employee retention to boosted morale and productivity.
The featured businesses explained how paying a fair wage had transformed their workplace culture and solidified their reputations as fair and caring employers. Manchester’s community-minded entrepreneurs are proving that fair pay is both good for workers and good for business.
Looking Ahead: Manchester’s Living Wage Future
As Living Wage Week wraps up, it’s clear that Greater Manchester is more committed than ever to fair pay for all workers. The movement is gaining momentum, with the support of local government, community leaders, and a growing number of businesses. By working together, Greater Manchester is helping to set a national example, proving that fair pay is not only possible but essential for building a healthy, sustainable economy.
Living Wage Week 2024 has been a fantastic reminder of what can be achieved when communities, businesses, and leaders come together to push for change. Here’s to Greater Manchester’s ongoing journey toward becoming a truly inclusive, Living Wage City Region!
