The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales wants all frontline public service workers to be paid fairly and be supported with their energy bills. 

Increased uptake of the Real Living Wage in Wales will help protect people against rising energy bills caused by the climate crisis, says Derek Walker.

As people continue to suffer the increasing cost of living, Mr Walker wants the public sector, businesses and Welsh Government to make a firmer commitment to make us a nation where every worker earns enough to live well.

Unlike the UK legal minimum wage, the Real Living Wage is independently calculated to meet the real cost of living.

Paying the real Living Wage, which this year increased to £14.10 an hour, ensures employees can afford essentials such as rent, food, transport and heating.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Living Wage Campaign, which has helped 20,400 workers in Wales to be uplifted to the real Living Wage, adding £141m in additional income for low-wage earners in Wales, with employers including Transport for Wales.

Nineteen of the 55 public bodies under the Well-being of Future Generations Act are Real Living Wage-accredited employers, an increase of seven (from 12 to 19) since the commissioner made it a priority, including Powys Council and North Wales Fire and Rescue who signed up this year.

But only two out of seven health boards and six out of 22 local councils pay the Real Living Wage.

Mr Walker wants:

• All public bodies to pay their workers the Real Living Wage.

• More Welsh businesses to sign up in a commitment to reduce poverty.

• Welsh Government to make Real Living Wage accreditation a mandatory requirement for all businesses in receipt of public sector contracts and grants:

Ahead of Real Living Wage Week on Monday, November 9, Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner, said: 

“People cleaning our schools and hospitals, keeping our public spaces safe and feeding society should not be using food banks to get by each month or struggling to heat their own homes.

“Paying people the Real Living Wage is critical to ending in-work poverty, child poverty, and supporting people in the cost of living crisis, the impacts of which are compounded by climate change.

“The increase in uptake for Wales is promising and now all public bodies must pay the Real Living Wage to support its workers in a changing world and the shocks to come in the future.”

Emily Cotterill, Head of Fair Economy at Cynnal Cymru said:

“A Real Living Wage Wales needs a Real Living Wage supply chain and every employer can play their part.

“We’re proud to be the Wales accreditation partner for the Real Living Wage. We have supported more than 600 businesses through the accreditation process which means we see first-hand how keen our employers are to do the right thing by their workforce.

“We know that more than 90% of accredited employers report seeing a benefit from accrediting, whether that’s improved staff retention, reduced sickness absence, or a better ability to win contracts. No matter what sector you operate in, accrediting as a Real Living Wage employer is a clear way to signal your organisation’s commitment to fair work.”

Fiona Meldrum, Lead Organiser for Citizens Cymru, said:

‘‘Low wages is one of the biggest issues putting pressure on the most vulnerable communities in Wales.

“Our alliance of faith, education and community organisations urge all Welsh employers to act on fair work and become Real Living Wage employers.

“Ahead of local council elections next year, we encourage more local authorities and other public bodies to join the Real Living Wage movement through accreditation.’’

Sparkles Cleaning Services Wales and West Ltd, based in Barry, employs 35 people, and won the 2022 Living Wage Employees Choice Award.

Ceri Jennings, managing director, who will appear at the Real Living Wage Week launch event on Monday, said:

“Doing what matters for our people is at the heart of everything we do, and our Real Living Wage accreditation demonstrates our commitment to supporting and valuing our team.

“In return, we benefit from a loyal and dedicated workforce, reflected in our high staff retention rates.

”I would encourage other businesses to consider becoming a Real Living Wage Employer. It sends a powerful message about the value you place on people, supports employee well-being, and demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the local community. Paying a fair wage is not only the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense.”

Other Real Living Wage employers include Vale of Glamorgan Council and Hard Lines Coffee.

• Real Living Wage Wales week launches at the Temple of Peace, Cardiff 10am-12pm, Monday, November 9, with Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Adam Price MS, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Connectivity, Cynnal Cymru, Citizens Cymru, and campaigners for the Real Living Wage movement.