Southwark 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.
Southwark was previously shortlisted for the Local Champion award last year and won the award six years ago in 2019.
This year’s shortlisting comes following the addition of 105 newly accredited living wage employers in the borough in 2024, a large increase compared to other London boroughs. In August 2023 Southwark was ranked fifth, and by December 2024 the borough was ranked third – Southwark being the fastest growing borough in south London in this respect.
The London Living Wage is £13.85 per hour, it pays an extra £1.64 more than the UK minimum wage requirements and is the only wage rate that accounts the additional costs of living in London. Businesses can be recognised for paying the London Living Wage by becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer.
Cllr John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs & 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.
“Our Southwark Living Wage Unit has helped increase the number of accredited employers in Southwark to an impressive 425, meaning over 7000 Southwark workers getting a pay-rise on the London Living Wage because their employer has become accredited.
“We will continue to increase this number so more Southwark residents have stable jobs with good pay in 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. The group meets quarterly and carries out specific actions set out in the Borough Living Wage Place Action Plan.
Target sectors have been arts and culture, hospitality, the built environment and charities. The group has targeted employers in these sectors because they 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. You can see the full shortlist on the website.
If you’re interested in becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer please visit our website or get in touch with the team southwarkbusinessdesk@southwark.gov.uk