IKEA becomes 1,000th Brighton and Hove Living Wage employer.

IKEA has joined the Brighton and Hove Living Wage campaign as the 1,000th employer, it was revealed today (Thursday, October 30th).

The Brighton Chamber, which organises the campaign, described the support from one of the area’s newest businesses as “a significant milestone.” The chamber of commerce stated:

“Launched in 2012, the campaign is headed and managed by Brighton Chamber, with assistance from Brighton & Hove City Council and Unison Brighton.

“Over the last 13 years, the campaign has urged businesses around the city to pledge to paying their employees at least the Real Living Wage, resulting in over 5,000 salary increases.

Employers who join the Brighton and Hove Living Wage Campaign become part of a broad community of local businesses committed to creating a fairer, more sustainable city economy in which everyone can live and flourish.

“From the campaign’s first employer, Brighton and Hove Buses, to the University of Sussex, Brighton and Hove Albion and Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival, and now IKEA Brighton, and the hundreds of independent businesses that make up our city’s economy and identity, the campaign has grown into a citywide movement of employers committed to making Brighton and Hove a fairer place to work.”

Brighton Chamber chief executive Sarah Springford said: “IKEA’s arrival in Brighton is tremendously excellent for the city and its economy, and we’re thrilled that IKEA Brighton is our 1,000th Living Wage employer.

“Brighton as a city is all about community and collaboration and it’s been fantastic to see the growth of the Brighton and Hove Living Wage Campaign over the past 13 years.” IKEA’s people and culture manager for the UK and Ireland, Darren Taylor, discussed becoming a Living Wage employer.

He stated: “At IKEA, we believe in ensuring that our employees feel supported and can afford to live. “IKEA has been a member of the Living Wage Foundation since 2017, and it pays its employees a real living wage.”

“Combined with our wider flexibility and benefits offer, this commitment provides co-workers with greater financial stability and the support needed to live a better everyday life.”

Councillor Jacob Taylor, Brighton and Hove society Council’s deputy leader, stated:

“Welcoming IKEA Brighton as our 1000th Living Wage employer is an important milestone that aligns with our ambition for an inclusive and fairer city where everyone can thrive.” “IKEA’s investment to Brighton and Hove has already resulted in new jobs for our communities.

Their participation in the campaign demonstrates how significant corporations can help set the norm for fair pay locally, helping workers and motivating other employers.”

The Real Living Wage is distinct from the government’s national minimum wage, with the amount established separately each year by the Resolution Foundation think tank based on the true cost of living.

The current Real Living Wage is £12.60 per hour, or £24,570 per year, based on a 37.5-hour work week, and will increase to £13.45 per hour beginning in May.

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