CALLS for Worcester City Council to become an accredited ‘living wage’ employer have been tabled by city Labour chiefs.
Coun Lynn Denham, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for the city, will propose the move at tonight’s (Tuesday) meeting of the council.
As well as paying a living wage, Labour chiefs also want Guildhall bosses to work with local businesses to ensure fair employment for people in Worcester.
The city council resolved in November 2013 to become an employer which paid a real living wage and Labour councillors hope the move will see companies who have contracts with the council also pay the rate calculated by the Living Wage Foundation to their workers.
The real living wage is currently set at £9 per hour and is determined based on the cost of household goods and services.
“Worcester wages are well below the national average and far too many people are struggling to make ends meet due to low pay,” Coun Denham said.
“Worcester City Council should lead the way by becoming an accredited employer, encouraging other local businesses to follow suit.
Labour leader Coun Adrian Gregson has proposed a bid to ask Guildhall bosses to encourage city firms to offer fair contracts and stable employment, back membership of trade unions and the creation a more diverse workforce by supporting disadvantaged groups in the workplace.
“Economic success is key to a healthy life and the more Worcester people who are in work which is fairly paid and where they are positively supported by their employers, the better their life chances and outcomes are,” he said.
“The Council has a responsibility to ensure working people in Worcester have the security and dignity they deserve.
“Passing this motion would represent a fantastic step in securing fair employment for people across our city,” he said.
