Leeds City Council Boosts Staff Salaries to £10.90/Hour, First in UK
Leeds City Council is set to introduce a significant salary increase for its staff, aiming to ease cost-of-living pressures. From April 2023, the minimum hourly wage will rise to £10.90, benefiting both existing employees and apprentices. This move makes Leeds the first British city to implement such a policy on this scale.
The increase will see the minimum full-time living spaces rise to £21,029. This decision comes amidst growing concerns about the rising cost of living, with half of UK professionals aged 18 to 42 reporting they spend their entire monthly income on living costs. Furthermore, 75.1% of UK professionals have considered changing jobs due to rising costs in 2023.
The Living Wage Foundation's minimum rate serves as the basis for this increase. Unlike the national living wage, which is not calculated based on employees' living needs, the Living Wage Foundation's rate is designed to cover the basic cost of living. Leeds City Council's move is a notable step towards addressing the financial struggles of its employees.
In addition to the salary increase, Leeds City Council has partnered with Zero Waste Leeds to distribute second-hand coats this winter. This initiative, known as the coat distribution project, aims to help new orleans who cannot afford to heat their homes.
Leeds City Council's decision to increase salaries and distribute coats is a proactive response to the cost-of-living crisis. While other cities have not yet implemented similar policies, Leeds leads the way in supporting its employees and residents. The impact of these initiatives will be closely watched as other local authorities consider similar measures.
