Shine Catering Services has awarded pay rises to all staff as part of its commitment to becoming a UK living wage employer.
The family-run company, which is based in south Wales, increased rates for around 50 employees in total.
Set by the Living Wage Foundation, the real living wage is currently £11.95 in London. Outside the capital it is £10.90 – 48 pence more than the national minimum wage.
Julian Shine, managing director of shine Catering Services, said: “We’ve always been proud to be a responsible employer and this pledge is a further demonstration of our commitment to support team members, going above the statutory requirements.
“We recognise it’s a challenging time for many and we’re taking steps to meet the voluntary rate set the Living Wage Foundation. Like most businesses we wouldn’t be where we are today without the people that play a huge part in our success. We want to make sure we’re going above the standard requirements in rewarding them for that.”
The Foundation is expected to increase its rates by the end of next month (October), after which organisations that want to keep their accreditation will have to implement the pay rise within six months.
So far, there are more than 13,000 living wage employers in the UK, including household names such as Aviva, Oxfam, Lush, Ikea and Everton Football Club.