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'Real Living Wage' recognition for Vale Council

Friday, 7 November 2025 13:49

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

VOG Council

Vale of Glamorgan Council has been recognised as a 'Real Living Wage' employer.

All staff are now paid at least £13.45 an hour for the work - up from £12.60, which is above the legal UK minimum wage of £12.21 an hour.

The council says it's been steadily increasing its lowest pay grades over the last three years to align with the Real Living Wage.

It's pledging to work with suppliers and partner organisations to help them introduce the same base level of pay.

Council leader Lis Burnett said: "This is important as we believe everyone should be able to afford to live to a reasonable standard. We want to treat our staff fairly and look after their wellbeing."

"The move also aligns with a core objective within our new five-year plan to support and protect those who needs us."

"Of course, this is not the end of the story. We will work with partners and hope that they too will make this commitment and continue efforts to tackle deprivation and inequality within our communities."

Just five of Wales' 22 local authorities are recognised as accredited employers by the Living Wage Council - and the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has called on all public bodies to follow suit and "show leadership in strengthening communities".

Derek Walker said: "Paying the Real Living Wage to people who deliver our essential services is a critical step in reducing inequalities and building a better future for our children and grandchildren."

"The Vale of Glamorgan Council becoming Real Living Wage accredited is an investment in the future of the people across the Vale. By reducing poverty now, we can improve our long-term health and education outcomes, supporting communities to thrive for years to come."

The Real Living Wage has recently increased by 7% to reach its current level - and Vale of Glamorgan Council says work is now underway to include this in their ongoing talks on next year's budget.

The Living Wage Foundation says over 16,000 employers in the UK have now committed voluntarily to go further than the government minimum "to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on".

Foundation director Katherine Chapman said: "With 15.8% of employee jobs earning below a real Living Wage in Wales, this commitment has never been more important."

"They join thousands of small businesses, as well as household names such as SSE, Ikea, Everton Football Club and many more."

"These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and they, like the Vale of Glamorgan Council, believe that everyone needs to be able to live with dignity and have a decent standard of living."

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