Council supports lowest paid employees

School cooks, domestics, cleaners, and nursery assistants are just some of those who will benefit from an extra £1 an hour.

Every year since 2012 the council has improved the pay of its staff on the three lowest pay grades so they could have a decent standard of living.

It rises in line with the wage announced every year by the national body, the Living Wage Foundation which this September increased pay from £9.90 to £10.90.

The extra £1 an hour for about 800 staff will increase the council’s pay bill by £127,000 for the rest of the financial year.

Cabinet member for an Efficient Council, Cllr Paul Frew, said: “This pay rise is recognition of the commitment and professionalism shown by our staff in often very demanding and challenging jobs.

“A living wage should be expected by everyone who works, and our staff deserve every penny. Fair pay is especially important in the face of rising living costs such as energy bills, food, petrol, rent, and mortgages.

“If all employers in the city did this, we would have a more resilient local economy, that better serves workers and their families."

Paul Gilroy, Branch Secretary of UNISON said: "UNISON Newcastle City Branch welcomes the news that the council once again intends to match the Living Wage Foundation.

“We believe that the Living Wage Foundation should be the minimum pay rate across all public sector organisations, as a large employer in Newcastle we acknowledge the council taking a lead in the city.” 

Last week council agreed to commit to accreditation as a Real Living Wage Council in an attempt to improve pay rates among its contractors. More details on this will be announced next week during National Living Wage Week.