Council shortlisted for Living Wage Champion Awards
A council has been recognised by the Living Wage Champion Awards after boosting the number of living wage employers in the borough.
Southwark council has been shortlisted for the Industry Champion and Local Champion Categories while senior programme officer of Southwark’s Living Wage Unit, James Reed, has been shortlisted in the Advocate of the Year award.
This year’s shortlisting comes after the addition of 105 newly accredited living wage employers in the borough in 2024.
This has boosted the total number of accredited employers in the borough to 425, meaning more than 7000 Southwark workers now receive the London Living Wage.
Cllr John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, said: “I’m extremely proud to see Southwark recognised as an advocate for the Living Wage and leading by example at a time when we know household bills are increasing and the cost of living continues to impact many individuals and families.”
In August 2023 Southwark had the fifth highest number of accredited employers in the capital and by December 2024 the borough was third.
Cllr Batteson said: “We will continue to increase this number so more Southwark residents have stable jobs with good pay in a strong and fair economy which everyone can benefit from”.
Southwark has an active stakeholder group of 20 accredited Living Wage Employers that promote the London Living Wage and Living Wage Employer accreditation in Southwark.
Target sectors have been arts and culture, hospitality, the built environment and charities which are typically low-paying industries where the living wage can have the most impact.
The Living Wage Champion Awards will take place in Newcastle in July.
If you’re interested in becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer get in touch with the team at southwarkbusinessdesk@southwark.gov.uk.
Pictured top: From left, Cllr Williams, Dr Dima Mekdad (Candoco Dance Company), Jasmin Fiori (Candoco Dance Company) and Cllr Seaton (Picture: Southwark council)
