At Ascend Payroll, we’re proud to announce our accreditation as a Real Living Wage employer. This milestone isn’t just another certification; it’s a reflection of who we are as a company and what we stand for.
But what exactly does being a Real Living Wage employer mean, and why does it align so perfectly with our values?
What is the Real Living Wage?
The Real Living Wage is fundamentally different from the government’s minimum wage. It is the only UK wage rate that is calculated on the real cost of living and is championed by the Real Living Wage Foundation.
The foundation sets two rates, a UK Living Wage and a London Living Wage, and they are set at £12.60 and £13.85 respectively. They have been calculated according to the cost of living based on a basket of household goods and services.
Unlike the National Minimum and Living Wages, set by the government, these rates are not the law. The rates are set annually, and organisations that sign up to be Living Wage Employers have six months from the announcement of the rates to implement them.
Key facts about the Real Living Wage
- It’s independently calculated based on what people actually need to live on, considering the real cost of essentials like housing, transportation, food, and utilities
- It provides security and dignity to workers by ensuring they can afford life’s necessities
- The rate increases annually based on living costs, making it responsive to economic changes
- It’s significantly higher than the government’s minimum wage requirement
- It’s part of a growing movement supported by thousands of employers across the UK
Unlike the statutory minimum wage, the Real Living Wage reflects the true cost of living. It’s calculated by experts who consider what people need for a decent standard of living, not just survival.
Why this matters to Ascend
At Ascend Payroll, our business is built around people, and that is why becoming a Real Living Wage Employer is so important to us.
Living our values, not just stating them
We’ve always said that people come first, both our team members and the clients we serve. Our ethos of ‘Do the right thing’ begins with the fundamental principle of paying people fairly, so becoming a Real Living Wage Employer is one way we demonstrate that we are putting these words into action. It demonstrates that our commitment to people isn’t just marketing talk; it’s backed by tangible commitments.
Building from the inside out
We can’t claim to be revolutionising payroll services for our clients if we’re not doing right by our own team. The Real Living Wage accreditation ensures that we’re building our business on a foundation of fairness and respect.
Financial wellbeing starts at home
At Ascend, we help businesses manage their finances and payroll efficiently. We believe financial wellbeing should start with our own team. By paying at least the Real Living Wage, we’re helping our team members achieve greater financial security and peace of mind.
Investing in quality
We’re committed to delivering exceptional service, which means investing in exceptional people. The Real Living Wage helps us attract and retain talented professionals who share our values and vision. When team members aren’t worried about making ends meet, they can focus on
innovation and excellence.
Creating the ripple effect
As a payroll company, we understand the ripple effect of financial decisions. When employers pay a living wage, it strengthens local economies, reduces reliance on benefits, and creates more stable communities. We’re proud to be part of this positive chain reaction.
“While the Real Living Wage accreditation is an important milestone for us, it’s just one aspect of our commitment to creating a workplace where people thrive. We see it as an essential block upon which we’re building a company culture defined by respect, opportunity, and well-being.
Looking ahead, we’ll continue to evaluate how we can better support our team and community. Because at Ascend, we believe that when we take care of our people, they take care of our clients, and together, we all benefit.”
Stewart Waddell – CEO
https://www.livingwage.org.uk/
