South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to gain Living Wage Foundation Accreditation and become a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer

On Monday the 20^th December 2021, South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority members discussed and approved the decision to gain Living Wage Foundation Accreditation and become a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer.

The ‘Real Living Wage’ (RLW) is independently calculated based on what employees and their families need to live and is usually higher than the National Living Wage set by the UK Government. It strives to represent the rate that a worker would have to earn to afford a minimum ‘decent’ standard of living. It’s updated annually and accredited employers who pay the RLW rate do so on a voluntary basis. The campaign for employers to pay workers the RLW started in 2001 and is championed by the Living Wage Foundation.

This report was considered by the HR & Equalities Committee on 1^st November 2021, who recommended it for approval by South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority on 20^th December 2021.

Chair of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Tudor Davies, said:

“South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are currently paying employees over and above the Real Living Wage and are committed to becoming an accredited Real Living Wage employer. The Service depends on everyone that works here in order to better serve its communities and keep South Wales safe.

This investment in our people demonstrates our values and our belief that all of our people deserve to be paid a fair rate for the work that they do. Obtaining this accreditation will allow the Service to become an ethical employer and a leader for positive change.”