Sunderland Coalition Unveils Three-Year Strategy to Increase Living Wage Employers
A powerful coalition of businesses, charities, and public sector organizations in Sunderland has officially launched a comprehensive multi-year plan designed to significantly boost the number of accredited real Living Wage employers across the city.
The newly formed Making Sunderland a Living Wage City Action Group brings together key local stakeholders, including Sunderland City Council, housing association Gentoo Group, technology firm Apexon, digital marketing agency Phonetic Digital, Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance, communications consultancy Creo Comms, community interest company Active Families NE, community advice organization ShARP, and children's charity Love, Amelia.
Current Progress and Future Goals
Currently, Sunderland boasts 62 real Living Wage accredited employers, marking a substantial increase of 42 since the city earned Living Wage City recognition in 2022. This achievement has translated into tangible benefits for the workforce, with over 2,000 employees receiving pay rises that meet the real Living Wage level.
The real Living Wage is an independently calculated hourly rate, determined based on essential living costs such as rent, utilities, food, and other necessities. For individuals aged 18 and above, this rate stands at approximately £13.45 across most of the country, though it rises to £14.80 in London to account for higher expenses.
Expanding Accreditation and Embedding Principles
Beyond increasing the number of accredited employers, the action group has ambitious plans to broaden its scope. The strategy includes promoting accreditations for Living Hours and Living Pension, ensuring that workers not only receive fair pay but also have stable working hours and secure retirement provisions.
Furthermore, the group aims to embed Living Wage principles deeply into local funding, commissioning, and procurement processes, creating a sustainable framework that prioritizes fair compensation across all sectors.
Voices from the Front Lines
Faith Lydiard, North East programme manager at the Living Wage Foundation, emphasized the profound impact of adopting the real Living Wage. "Paying the Real Living Wage is one of the most effective ways employers can demonstrate a genuine commitment to their people and their communities," she stated. "It ensures that work provides not just a pay packet, but a decent standard of living, helping individuals and families meet everyday costs with dignity and security."
Lydiard highlighted the mutual benefits, noting that businesses which adopt the real Living Wage often experience higher staff retention, improved morale, increased productivity, and a stronger reputation as responsible employers. "In a competitive labour market, it is a clear signal that an organisation values its workforce," she added.
With the cost of living remaining a significant challenge for many, Lydiard encouraged more employers to join the movement, describing it as "a smart, sustainable choice that delivers long-term value for both people and business."
Employee Perspectives
The push for fair wages is not limited to organizational leaders. Jess, a digital marketing executive at Sunderland-based Phonetic Digital—a B-Corp located in Mackies' Corner—shared her personal experience. "Being paid the real Living Wage means I can say yes to social engagements which makes the difference between having a routine and having a life," she explained, underscoring how fair pay enhances quality of life beyond mere financial stability.
This grassroots support complements the strategic efforts of the action group, illustrating a city-wide commitment to fostering an economy where work truly pays.
