Persimmon Homes has received recognition of its commitment to the Real Living Wage (RLW) this week in the form of a full accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation.

The company took the step of paying its own directly employed staff the RLW almost three years ago in January 2019, which at the time benefitted 270 employees.  In this year’s Living Wage Week, which runs from 15 -21 November, the award has coincided with Persimmon Homes’ announcement of a further roll out of the scheme to cover subcontracted workers, with more than 1,000 expected to benefit.

One such employee to gain from the RLW is Site Operative David Cook, who works for Persimmon Homes in the North West, who said: “It’s the best idea they’ve come up with in years, I hadn’t heard about the RLW before, but had noticed that my wages were going up and it’s been a great help.

“I have more time and more money to spend on my hobbies, I love reading and can buy more books.  Basically, I am not struggling to pay my bills like I used to do, so it means I’m a lot happier.”

Quin Cordeux, Site Manager for Persimmon Homes North West, added: “Since the introduction of the RLW we’re seeing staff morale on site has increased and they are a lot happier because they are earning more money.  Staff retention has also increased which is great.  It is good that Persimmon Homes has introduced the RLW ahead of time and have taken such a proactive approach in getting it in place early.”

Dean Finch, Group Chief Executive of Persimmon Homes, said: “I want all our employees to feel valued and fairly paid for the good work that they do. Paying the real living wage is an excellent way of demonstrating this. I am therefore delighted we have become a Living Wage Foundation accredited employer and joined what is an important campaign.”

Accredited Living Wage employers are certified by the Living Wage Foundation. The Real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate that is paid voluntarily to workers and is higher than the statutory National Living Wage set by the Government. It also includes a separate higher rate for London.

Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation said: “We all need a wage that meets our everyday needs, even more so when living costs have been rising so sharply. That's why I'm delighted to welcome Persimmon Homes as our newest Living Wage Employer, joining the movement of almost 9,000 responsible employers across the UK, who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.

“As we begin to lay the foundations of a better society, it is important that we do not forget the people who have been instrumental to the survival of our businesses and our society: our workers. The Living Wage movement recognises that our workers ought to have a decent wage to support themselves and their families, and that paying this wage is the right thing to do.”