Further to Minute No. 50, 23rd September 2015, the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which provided an update on the progress made in the past twelve months as the Council worked towards paying a recognised living wage rate. In addition, the report also set out the further work which was proposed in order to support this commitment.
Responding to a Member’s enquiry, it was noted that £8.25/hour was the current minimum pay rate as recommended by the National Living Wage Foundation, which was reviewed on an annual basis.
RESOLVED –
(a) That the progress made in addressing low pay and in-work poverty issues amongst the workforce regionally, in response to signing the Low Pay Charter, be noted, and that it also be noted that whilst the Council is not an accredited Living Wage Employer, it is committed to the West Yorkshire Low Pay Charter and the Ethical Care Charter;
(b) That the work that the Council is undertaking, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted, and that the Board’s agreement be given to increasing the minimum hourly rate to £8.25 from January 2017, which is the current Living Wage Foundation recommended rate. It also be noted that this minimum rate of pay is inclusive of any pay award which is applied in April 2017 and in the instance where the pay award exceeds the minimum proposed rate of £8.25, then the higher amount of the two will be paid. It also be noted that such matters will be implemented by the Deputy Chief Executive;
(c) That the Board’s agreement be given to the Council continuing to engage suppliers, partners and the business community in Leeds in order to help tackle the wider issues of poverty in the city and develop projects to build a stronger local economy and compassionate city, which will reflect commitments made in the West Yorkshire Low Pay Charter and integrate with Breakthrough Projects.