An employer has made the decision to implement an early pay raise for its employees, who have expressed appreciation for the additional income as the holiday season approaches.
The Real Living Wage, a voluntary pay standard for workers above 18 years old, is tied to employers affiliated with the Living Wage Foundation. It is calculated based on the cost of essential needs like food, clothing, and household expenses.
The new hourly rates will increase by 85p to £13.45 per hour, a 6.7% rise, and by 95p to £14.80 per hour in London, a 6.9% increase, surpassing the minimum wage requirements.
This wage increase applies to all employees above 18 years old working for a Real Living Wage employer, which now exceeds 16,000 businesses.
While employers are given until May 2026 to implement the higher rates, Eland Cables, a supplier of electrical cables for major projects, has already introduced the raise ahead of schedule.
Ben, a 34-year-old father of two from Doncaster and a long-time employee at Eland Cables, is among the many staff benefiting from the early wage hike. He commended the move, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on his living expenses, particularly as the holiday season nears.
The executive director of Eland Cables, JS Pelland, stated that the decision to adopt the new Real Living Wage earlier than required reflects the company’s commitment to fairness, loyalty, and long-term success.
Pelland highlighted the importance of fair compensation for employees, emphasizing that treating employees well leads to increased engagement, pride in work, and improved overall results.
Eland Cables has seen significant improvements in staff retention, reduced sickness absences, and increased productivity since adopting the Living Wage Plus approach. The company also prioritizes internal advancement and career growth opportunities, showcasing a successful case of a site cleaner rising to a shift manager position.
Pelland emphasized that fostering a sense of belonging and purpose among employees results in consistency, quality, and trust, essential elements in the company’s operations.