'I would urge Labour councillors to encourage support for this deal as soon as possible. It would result in a payment of over £1,000, helping all staff'
Ribble Valley Labour councillors have won a vote, calling on the borough to adopt the Living Wage for lowest-paid staff.
"Nationally, there are 12,500 recognised Living Wage employers. Of those, 1,250 are in the north-west including neighbouring councils such as Rossendale, South Ribble and Burnley. Several town councils are also recognised as well as Lancashire County Council.“The Living Wage determines the wage rate needed to ensure households earn enough to reach a minimum acceptable living standard."
OPPOSING VIEWS Conservative Coun Stephen Atkinson, the council leader, first asked if, under rules, motions like this should go to a committee rather than be voted for? He offered to show others the rules. Coun Atkinson said the Unison trade union represents lowest-paid council staff and accepted the council offer. However, one member of staff was in the GMB union. which had not.
Coun Atkinson added: "The Low Pay Commission advises the government and was set up by Tony Blair. If economic evidence warrants it, the commission makes recommendations. It makes sure employees see benefits without risk to employment. The government has systematically closed the gap and should meet its target next year.
Conservative Coun Stuart Hirst also opposed Labour's motion. He said no professional businesses were modelled on low wages. But pay agreements were 'delicate eco-systems' with national and local factors. Change needed careful study. In the past, the council went through a 'minefield' of issues after staff reappraisals.
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