James Hutton Institute welcomes new UK Living Wage week rate

"We are proud to implement this increase which will see our basic salary rise to £16,835 per year"

As an accredited Living Wage employer, the James Hutton Institute welcomes the increase in UK and London rates announced by the Living Wage Foundation as part of Living Wage Week (November 5th-11th 2017).

In its second full year as part of a movement of over 3,500 employers who voluntarily opt-in to paying the real Living Wage, the Institute has committed to the increase – independently calculated to meet the cost of living – which will be implemented within six months.

The new UK rate announced by the Living Wage Foundation will apply to all staff at the Institute over 18 and has increased to £8.75 per hour.

Living Wage Week 2017 from Living Wage Foundation on Vimeo

Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, said: “We are proud to implement this increase which will see our basic salary rise to £16,835 per year.

“It’s a win-win for us and not only helps our employees afford to live with dignity but also helps our business by improving motivation, and retaining and attracting a quality workforce.”

Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, added: “Year-on-year, we see organisations and businesses across the UK embracing the real Living Wage as they recognise that a fair day’s pay is not only the right thing so to but can improve the quality of staff’s work, reduce absenteeism and increase motivation and retention.

“Today’s increase acknowledges that the cost of living continues to rise for workers everywhere and the leadership shown by businesses who welcome this is a cause for celebration during Living Wage Week, sending a positive message to the business community to show what others can achieve.”   

For more information about Living Wage Week, go to http://www.livingwage.org.uk/living-wage-week.