The announcement came as part of the Living Wage Week, November 11-17, a yearly celebration that raised awareness about the fair wage movement.

    Business owners choose whether to pay the Living Wage on voluntary and the accreditation implies that the London Wage or London Living Wage (£ 9.30 an hour and £ 10.75) will be earned by everyone employed by the Council.

    The council joined more than 4,700 companies across the area who already pay the Living Wage and will support the locals in the borough to become London Living Wage employers too. The council would also consult with its contractors and manufacturers to guarantee it complies with its supply chain.

    “We are proud to be certified as a Living Wage employer that reflects our dedication to raising the standard of living. Having to pay a Living Wage is not only advantageous to staff, but this also rewards businesses too, as evidence shows that it increases employee motivation and morale and strengthens the credibility of a company. I will urge all local employers that still don’t pay the Living Wage to support the program.” Sarah Ireland, Kingston Council- Director of Corporate and Commercial

    “We are happy that the Kingston Council has embraced the campaign of almost 6,000 conscientious employers across the UK who volunteer to go beyond the statutory government minimum wage to ensure that all their workers earn enough to live on. Many are joining thousands of small companies and big names like Barclays, LUSH, West Ham Football Club, Heathrow Airport and many more. They are now the twentieth London borough to be a Living Wage Employer certified and we appreciate their engagement. Local councils serve as representatives who normally follow many local businesses to pursue accreditation, granting many more workers pay increases. Paying the real Living Wage is the symbol of a conscientious company and employers like the Kingston Council.” Lucy Bannister, Living Wage Foundation- Programme Manager

    The actual Living Wage is higher than the National Living Wage set by the Government. It is an individually measured hourly rate of pay based on actual living costs. It is measured annually and reported as part of Living Wage Week by the Living Wage Foundation.

    Supporters of London Citizens launched the UK Living Wage Campaign in 2001. The pioneers were London parents who struggled to survive despite working two or more minimum wage jobs, leaving little room for family life.

    The campaign has benefited hundreds of thousands of workers since its inception and brought over £210 million into the hands of some of the UK’s lowest earners.

    The Living Wage Foundation is the certifying body that awards the Living Wage Employer Mark to businesses practicing Living Wage. We remain focused on ensuring that employers pay the Living Wage to all working employees even contract workers.

    For more Living Wage information visit www.livingwage.org.uk