LIVING WAGE WEEK 2015 Emily Kenway Campaign Manager Living Wage Foundation

Where we came from and what we mean OUR ROOTS 2001, parents +TELCO Early successes incl. St Bart’s and KPMG THE CRITERIA Hourly rate of pay Calculated annually according to the cost of living Applicable to all those over 18 Contract workers are included – 2 hours or more per day, 8 consecutive weeks per year Only non-deferred guaranteed bonuses are included

Citizens UK organises communities to act together for power, social justice and the common good. Developing the capacity and skills of members of socially and economically disadvantaged communities so that members are better able to fully participate in society.

The Living Wage Foundation Established 2011 to create a coherent and valuable brand & win more wages. We say the Living Wage is: Good for business Good for family Good for society We recognise and celebrate the leadership shown by Living Wage Employers across the UK. Accreditation Intelligence Influence Our parent charity remains

HOT OFF THE PRESS! MINIMUM WAGE =£ MINIMUM WAGE = £7.20 (April 2016)

Current Context: UK picture 5.9 million working people paid less than the LW in UK 19% of jobs in London pay less than LW AND 13.8% in Islington 1.3m more women than men in jobs paid less than the LW in UK Workers who’ve had a pay rise from accredited LW employers since Nov 2014: 29,011

How we win Living Wages BRAND Tactic: making the LW a business-friendly brand Method: accreditation, media and map

How we win Living Wages PROVEN BENEFITS Tactic: use business language and proof to show it’s not just about ethics Method: regular releases of credible research 70% of consumers would choose to shop with a Living Wage accredited retailer instead of one who isn’t 25% reduction in absenteeism Improved turnover rates and recruitment calibre Improved family wellbeing

How we win Living Wages PRESSURE Tactic: demonstrate direct demand for the Living Wage Methods: protests; shareholder activism; local organising; influencers

Fighting with government cleaners WHAT HAPPENED: Citizens UK = working with the cleaners of Whitehall for many years This year, they left letters asking for the LW on the desk of the minister they clean for Threatened with disciplinary action WHAT WE DID NEXT: Protest action – letter writing and testimony Covered across the media Cleaning company confirms no disciplinary action = we won the battle, but not yet the war!

The Living Wage People’s Movement

Taking action for the Living Wage Inform Who would benefit from knowing more? Employers Service Users Engage and encourage Send information Request meetings Competitors / peers Ask us to contact Use us!

Employer Site: Campaign Site: