All our staff were already paid significantly higher than minimum wage and, since we were already there, we thought it would be the right thing to take the next step and join the Living Wage Foundation’s accreditation scheme since it fits so closely with Ritherdon’s own values. We’d recommend our suppliers and customers also look into the benefits of working towards this accreditation.
One of the core aims of Ritherdon is to provide a good living, training and development for as many people as possible in the manufacturing sector in our region. This is why we take pride in designing and making our own products here in our factory in Darwen, Lancashire and why we are continually working on developing new, innovative product ranges.
More on the Living Wage from the Living Wage Foundation:
“The Living Wage is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually, based on the cost living in the UK. The campaign has been running for ten years and has lifted over 45,000 people out of poverty. An independent study of the business benefits of implementing a Living Wage policy in London found that more than 80% of employers believe that the Living Wage had enhanced the quality of the work of their staff, while absenteeism had fallen by approximately 25%. 66% of employers reported a significant impact on recruitment and retention within their organisation. 70% of employers felt that the Living Wage had increased consumer awareness of their organisation’s commitment to being an ethical employer.
Rhys Moore Director of the Living Wage Foundation said “The benefits the Living Wage brings to staff and business are clear. I welcome the leadership shown by Ritherdon on this important issue.”
At Ritherdon we encourage others to work towards this accreditation. Find out more about becoming an accredited employer visit www.livingwage.org.uk
