Benefits of being an Oxford Living Wage employer

By joining the Oxford Living Wage Employer scheme, you’ll be part of a growing movement of over 175 Oxford-based employers seeing the benefits of committing to fair pay.

Support your staff

Paying a wage people can live on boosts morale, productivity, and retention.

Lead by example

Show your commitment to ethical employment and social responsibility, and deliver money back into the local economy.

Enhance your reputation

Accreditation sends a clear message: your organisation values fairness, dignity, and social responsibility. It strengthens trust and brand perception among customers, partners, and investors.

Strengthen recruitment and reduce turnover

Attract motivated, skilled candidates who value a supportive workplace and stay with you for longer.

Take meaningful action on your responsible business goals

The Oxford Living Wage accreditation is a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility, advancing your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives, and providing measurable social value to bids and partnerships. 

Build a fairer Oxford

Be part of a movement committed to reducing workplace poverty in one of the UK’s most unequal cities. Women are 50% more likely to be in low paid work than men* - by paying the Oxford Living Wage you can help create fairer opportunities and close the gender pay gap.

*Living Wage Foundation 'Employee Jobs Paid below the real Living Wage 2024', using data from the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) Annual Survey for Hours and Earnings to reveal the number of jobs below the real Living Wage  

What our employers say

"The Agnes Smith Advice Centre is committed to paying at least the Oxford Living Wage to all paid staff, as we know how important it is for people to earn enough to live on.  We help people every day who are struggling financially even though they are working, because their low wages simply don’t cover the cost of everyday essentials. 

The Oxford Living Wage, which has been calculated to cover the true cost of living here in Oxford, could help to lift may families out of poverty if more employers would adopt it.  Employers would have a healthier, happier and more loyal workforce, and would benefit reputationally by being seen to adopt fair employment practices."

Zoe Millington, Centre Manager at Agnes Smith Advice Centre