UNISON has announced that it is to submit a living wage claim to all academy school chains where the union has national recognition.
This move is part of the union’s campaign for the living wage to become the new minimum rate of pay in UK schools.
In London, the living wage is £8.55 per hour, and £7.45 per hour in the rest of the UK. The idea behind the living wage is that a person should be paid enough to live decently and to adequately provide for their family.
At its heart is an ethical argument for preventing in-work poverty. Unlike the national minimum wage, the living wage is voluntary, but an increasing number of employers are agreeing to pay the living wage in recognition of the clear business benefits.
As well as lifting families out of poverty, paying the living wage boosts productivity and reduces staff turnover, leading to financial savings for employers.
UNISON national secretary of education and children’s Jon Richards services, said: “School support staff have a vital role to play in making sure that children in school get the best possible start in life.
“But many are struggling to look after their families because of low pay, pay freezes and rising food and energy bills.
“As a result, thousands of low-paid support staff will face making the terrible choice between heating and eating this winter.
“That is why our campaign for a living wage is so important. It will be a lifeline to low-paid school staff in cleaning and catering jobs in particular.”
Mr Richards continued: “I am delighted that already, the academy chain REAch2 has set an example to other academies by agreeing to negotiate implementation of the living wage with UNISON. We very much hope that, over the coming months, other academy schools will do the same.”
To assist academy, trust and free schools, UNISON has produced a living wage briefing and model implementation plan, a step-by-step guide to becoming an accredited living wage employer.
Living Wage implementation plan for academy schools [PDF]
Living Wage academy chains where UNISON will be submitting claims [PDF]