Bristol Airport has received living wage accreditation in recognition of its higher-than-average employee pay rates.
Awarded by the Living Wage Foundation which champions fair pay, the endorsement means the airport has committed to paying salaries that are in line with the cost of living.
Staff at the site, along with those employed by the airport’s 50 business partners, will now be paid a minimum of £10.90 per hour – £1.40 more than the £9.50 current national minimum. More than 12,000 employers in the UK have so far opted to pay staff the real living wage.
The higher rates are annually set by the Resolution Foundation, which bases its calculations on the cost of everyday items, and are overseen by the Living Wage Commission.
Debbie Hartshorn, people director at Bristol Airport, said: “Bristol Airport is central to the economy of the South West – currently supporting almost 4,000 direct jobs, and around 23,000 jobs across the wider region – and as we expand capacity from 10 million passengers per annum to 12 million passengers per annum we are projected to add a further 5,800 jobs.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that these roles are attractive to candidates and are fairly rewarded and are delighted to have attained real living wage accreditation ahead of the deadline we set for ourselves.”
The airport’s staff additionally benefit from 25 days of holiday entitlement, which rises in line with service after the first two years to a maximum of 29 days, as well as free and subsidised travel options. The business also offers enhanced parental care policies, sickness schemes, income protection insurance and flexible working options, as well as company-funded private medical and a bonus scheme.
