Employees from 175 Oxford organisations are now being paid at least the Oxford Living Wage, the largest number since the scheme launched in 2019.
This week, Oxford City Council welcomed the 175th Oxford Living Wage employer, meaning over 30,600 local people earn at least £13.16 per hour.
Oxford is one of the most expensive places to live in the UK, but many people earn less than is needed for a decent standard of living.
The Oxford Living Wage, launched in 2019 and reviewed annually in line with the National Living Wage, is a voluntary minimum wage that the Council encourages organisations to adopt to reflect the real cost of living and working in the city.
It is a tangible way for employers to support their staff, strengthen their organisation, and demonstrate long-term commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive local economy.
Accreditation is free and open to any organisation based in Oxford or that does business in the city. Once accredited, organisations receive a pack and will be promoted throughout the year as an Oxford Living Wage employer.
Find out more about the Oxford Living Wage.
Comment
“Reaching 175 accredited Oxford Living Wage employers is a major milestone and something to celebrate. It’s the highest number we've ever had and it reflects the kind of city we want Oxford to be.
“When employers commit to paying a living wage, they’re making a meaningful difference to the lives of thousands of local people. It strengthens businesses, supports families, and helps build a fairer, more inclusive local economy.”
Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford and Small Business Champion
“We’re proud to operate as a founding member and accredited employer of the Oxford Living Wage. As a responsible employer, being a member of the Oxford Living Wage ensures all colleagues are rewarded appropriately for their continued hard work which makes our vital countywide operation and services possible.
From a business point of view, it boosts staff retention and helps attract local people to our wide variety of roles including our drivers, mechanics, operations and marketing teams and those in the control room.”
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company
“Paying at least the Living Wage across our business is one of our core values and we've even included it as a formal commitment in our Company Objects as a B Corp and Social Enterprise. We have paid the Oxford Living Wage as a minimum since the start, so it has always been built into who we are and what we offer our staff. This was a decision that always made sense to me - from the very first person I employed to the small but growing team we have now. Y.O.U Underwear was built to empower through underwear and that applies to our staff as well!”
Sarah Jordan, Owner and Founder of Y.O.U Underwear
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