Old Kent Road set to be a Living Wage Neighbourhood

Southwark Council has committed to make the Old Kent Road regeneration area a Living Wage Neighbourhood.

Alongside Canada Water, Old Kent Road will become one of just two major regeneration areas in London to become a Living Wage Neighbourhood.

Working with key anchor institutions across the borough to promote the Living Wage, the council’s ultimate ambition is to make the whole of Southwark a Living Wage Place.

Southwark Council’s commitment to the Living Wage includes:

– Being an accredited Living Wage employer (including all staff and contractors) and a Living Wage Funder

– Implementing the Ethical Care Charter that guarantees a Living Wage for home and residential care workers

– Signing up over 50 employers to the apprenticeship standard that guarantees the  Living Wage for apprentices

– A commitment to doubling the number of Living Wage employers in the borough, with 144 already accredited

Living Wage Award

The real Living Wage is currently £9.00 across the UK and £10.55 in London. Unlike the government’s minimum wage, it is independently calculated based on the cost of living.

Southwark Council recently won an award from the Living Wage Foundation for its commitment to the real Living Wage. This included work to ensure that Elephant Park in nearby Elephant and Castle becomes the country’s first Living Wage Zone.

You can find out more about the Living Wage at www.livingwage.org.uk