Liverpool charity Local Solutions continues to support new Real Living Wage

Local Solutions was set up in 1974 to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Liverpool.

 Local Solutions, a major Liverpool charity has announced that it has been recognised once again as a Real Living Wage employer. This increases the minimum rate of pay across the organisation to £10.40, increasing to £10.90 in April 2023. This is in line with recommendation from The Real Living Wage Foundation, supporting staff in response to the soaring cost of living crisis. 

The charity welcomed Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram to their head office in Wavertree, Liverpool to celebrate Living Wage Week. Being a Real Living Wage employer is part of Local Solutions continued commitment to improve minimum pay and conditions for all staff, and to recognise their exceptional dedication shown throughout these testing times. 

The cost of living has been increasing across the UK since early 2021 with the annual rate of inflation reaching double figures in September 2022, close to a 40 year high. 

The real Living Wage remains the only wage rates independently calculated based on what people need to live on. This year the rate increased by 10.1% in the UK, more than ever in the Living Wage Foundation’s 11-year history reflecting sharp increases in living costs. 

Local Solutions is a charity that, since 1974, has been generating and delivering services to support individuals, families and communities with a prime focus on those people experiencing disadvantage, exclusion and vulnerability across the Liverpool City Region and North Wales. 

Tom Harrison, Chief Executive at Local Solutions commented:

“There are 4.8m workers paid less than the real Living Wage. Research published by the Living Wage Foundation found that over the past 6 months more workers are skipping meals and using food banks than ever before. 

Being a Real Living Wage employer is part of our continued commitment to improve minimum pay and conditions, and to recognise the exceptional dedication shown throughout these testing times.” 

Unlike the Government minimum wage (‘National Living Wage’ for over 23s – £9.50) the real Living Wage is the only wage rate independently calculated based on rising living costs. A full-time worker earning the new, real Living Wage would earn £2,730 a year more than a worker earning the current government minimum (NLW), and £1,950 more than their current pay. 

Katherine Chapman, Living Wage Foundation Director, said:

“With living costs rising so rapidly, millions are facing an awful “heat or eat” choice this winter- that’s why a real Living Wage is more vital than ever. We know that the Living Wage is good for employers as well as workers, that’s why the real Living Wage must continue to be at the heart of solutions to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.” 

The Living Wage Foundation is the institution at the heart of the independent movement of businesses, organisations and people who believe that a hard day’s work should mean a fair day’s pay. It recognises and celebrates the leadership shown by the over 11,000 Living Wage Employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to ensure their staff earn a real Living Wage that meets the cost of living. The Living Wage Foundation is an initiative of Citizens UK.