A COALITION of Sunderland businesses, charities and public sector organisations has renewed its commitment to increasing the number of accredited Living Wage Employers in the city with the launch of a 3-year action plan.
The Making Sunderland a Living Wage City Action Group, which comprises businesses and institutions from across Sunderland, all of whom are Living Wage Employers, including Sunderland City Council, Gentoo Group, Apexon, Phonetic Digital, Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance, Creo Comms, Active Families NE, ShARP and Love, Amelia have come together to do their bit to champion the real Living Wage (rLW).
There are currently 62 real Living Wage accredited employers in Sunderland, an increase of 42 since the initial Living Wage City recognition in 2022, which means that more than 2,000 workers have already received a pay rise that meets the rLW.
By pledging to be rLW accredited, employers make a commitment to paying all staff at all levels the real Living Wage, which is a voluntary, independently calculated hourly rate of pay based on actual living costs.
The group’s action plan seeks to bring about continued growth in the number of Living Wage Employers across Sunderland, as well as retaining existing accredited employers. The group is also looking to broaden accreditations to include Living Hours and Living Pension and to embed the Living Wage across funding, commissioning and procurement.
Faith Lydiard, North East Programme Manager at Living Wage Foundation, said: “Paying the Real Living Wage is one of the most effective ways employers can demonstrate a genuine commitment to their people and their communities. It ensures that work provides not just a pay packet, but a decent standard of living, helping individuals and families meet everyday costs with dignity and security”.
“We consistently see that businesses who adopt the real Living Wage benefit too. They experience higher staff retention, improved morale, and increased productivity, alongside a stronger reputation as responsible employers. In a competitive labour market, it is a clear signal that an organisation values its workforce.”
She added: “At a time when the cost of living remains a real challenge for many, we encourage more employers to step forward and join the growing movement. Paying the real Living Wage is not just the right thing to do — it is a smart, sustainable choice that delivers long-term value for both people and business.”
It’s not just businesses who are making the case for paying a rLW. Jess works as a digital marketing executive at Sunderland based Phonetic Digital, a B-Corp based in Mackies’ Corner that provides a spectrum of digital services to enhance the digital presence and operational efficiency of its clients across the UK.
Jess said: “Being paid the real Living Wage means I can say yes to social engagements which makes the difference between having a routine and having a life.”
Businesses interested in becoming accredited rLW employers can find out more at www.livingwage.org.uk.
