Support the Local Living Wage

A growing number of care providers support the Local Living Wage

Care providers within the borough are recognising the importance of the Local Living Wage, understanding the vital role their staff play to support residents in the borough.

Special Needs Care is just one care provider who has signed up to the Local Living Wage charter.
This Chester based company delivers bespoke, personalised care solutions to people with learning disabilities, autism and complex care/health needs across the borough.
Laura Jade Sandford, HR Manager for Special Needs Care said "We feel it is important to pay the Local Living Wage in Cheshire West and Chester, especially in the care sector.

"We have found by adopting the Living Wage rate, we have experienced an increase in applications which is fabulous and the quality of applications has also improved. It has a huge impact on loyalty and retention. Staff are also more likely to stay and less likely to commit to overtime, therefore they have a better work-life balance."

Other care providers, include Vivo Care Choices, HomeInstead Senior Care Chester and HomeInstead Senior Care Frodsham. Managing Director for Vivo Care Choices, Alistair Jeffs adds "Providing care and support to people with learning disabilities, autism and older people is one of the most important caring roles in our society as it supports some of the most vulnerable residents in our borough. Therefore, it is vital that we pay a decent and fair wage to those performing this vitally important role."

The aim of the Local Living Wage is that no one should have to do a day's work for less than they can live on.
It is good for society and will help boost the local economy as residents have that little bit extra in their pockets to live well.

The Local Living Wage is voluntary and is a rate set at £9 per hour for employees aged 18 or over and takes into account the real cost of living in the borough. Many companies have now signed up to the Local Living Wage charter, including schools, care services, SMEs and leading Cheshire businesses, such as M&S Bank, Edsential, Brio Leisure and Urenco UK Ltd,.

The Local Living Wage rate is different from the National Living Wage of £8.21 per hour for people aged over 25, a mandatory rate set by government and formerly known as the minimum wage.

To sign up to the Local Living Wage and show your support in the borough, please go to www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/LLW and complete the online form.