Merton Council is proud to celebrate Living Wage Week this year, creating awareness of the Living Wage movement and highlighting local businesses in Merton who are going a step beyond to pay wages that reflect the cost-of-living.   

The London Living Wage rate has risen to £13.85 per hour, benefiting employees at accredited businesses who will be uplifted with a boost in pay. While the Government’s National Living Wage is set to increase to £12.21, it still does not capture the higher living costs in London. 

Merton is home to 90 Living Wage accredited employers and we are working towards increasing the number of accredited businesses in our borough. One way we are supporting local organisations to become accredited is through our London Living Wage Business Rates Grant scheme. 

The scheme is open to both businesses and voluntary or community organisations who can apply for a grant if they already pay staff the London Living Wage or have recently become accredited. The grant can be used to cover the organisation’s accreditation costs or other costs such as Business Rates. 

Paying the London Living Wage has many benefits for employers, including better staff productivity, remaining competitive and an improved reputation. Over a third of employers have also reported that the Living Wage accreditation has helped them secure contracts and funding. 

We are collaborating with other south London councils this Living Wage Week to promote fair pay and good work practices, including hosting a joint Good work and inclusive employment event for Living Wage employers. Learn more here. 

Councillor Billy Christie, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:

“As a council, we are committed to championing fair wages and building a borough where everyone can afford to meet their everyday needs. Since 2013, we have paid our staff and agency workers the London Living Wage and last year we proudly received our Living Wage accreditation.  

“Through our grant scheme, we are empowering local organisations to become Living Wage employers, so that more people working in Merton can earn wages that reflect the true cost-of-living. This initiative supports our community through the cost-of-living crisis while helping our local businesses thrive and grow by retaining valued staff and attracting new talent.” 

Councillor Billy Hayes, Living Wage Champion, added:

“It is important now more than ever that people’s wages not only cover their basic needs, but also allow them to thrive. Living Wage Week highlights the impact fair pay can have on people’s lives and in our local communities. As part of our work, we have committed £7.2 million for five years to ensure our contractors also pay the London Living Wage. We encourage local employers to join us in adopting the real Living Wage, so all workers in Merton can flourish.” 

Learn more about the real Living Wage and the accreditation here.