Brentford FC has gained official accreditation as a London living wage employer.
Based in the capital, the premier league football club, which has around 200 employees, has committed to paying staff and its main sub-contractors a rate of at least £11.95 an hour.
The club has been paying living wage rates since 2021 and believes the standard is essential in “reducing income inequality and promoting a healthier work-life balance for its employees”.
Brentford chief executive Jon Varney said: “We are proud to join the ranks of responsible employers in London who are committed to paying their staff a wage that allows them to lead a decent life in the capital.
“Our staff are at the heart of what we do, and we’re well aware of the impact financial difficulties can have on our employees particularly with the current costs of living.
“This step reinforces our desire for creating a positive and supportive environment for Brentford staff to thrive and in turn provide excellent fan engagement and experiences at our stadium.”
As well as paying the London living wage, Brentford employees also have access to a range of employee benefits, including private medical insurance, life assurance, Medicash cover, a Royal London pensions scheme, holiday entitlement starting at 22 days and increasing to 25 days after three years of service, 25% off in the club’s shop, 50% off in Umbro, a cycle-to-work scheme, complimentary matchday tickets and an electric car scheme.
Championed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the London living wage in is a voluntary pay rate in line with the real cost of living, and is significantly higher than the government’s minimum rate.
Khan added: “I’m thrilled that Brentford FC has officially become a living wage employer, marking a positive step forward in making London a living wage city.
“London is the best city in the world, but with many hardworking Londoners still struggling to make ends meet with the cost-of-living crisis, it is only right that more employers are committing themselves to paying a fair and decent wage to their staff.”
More than 13,000 employers across the UK have now committed to paying the living wage, with 400,000-plus employees having received a pay rise as a result.
