It makes sense for employers to pay a real living wage – so why not do it? | Paul Butler

In the north-east we’ve asked everyone to go beyond government rates so workers thrive, and live with dignity

• Paul Butler is the bishop of Durham

Every person is valuable. Hugely valuable because we are made in God’s image and loved so deeply that Jesus died for us. Increasingly, employers are realising that we humans seek to discover our value through healthy work as part of fulfilled lives. A happy workforce is a productive one. So they are investing in office spaces with soft furnishings, meditation sessions, flexible-working options and even pet office dogs, all seeking to keep workers happy.

Yet as companies get multimillion-pound makeovers, a large body of UK workers face multiple pressures – insufficient pay to meet living costs, unpaid overtime, working through lunch breaks, and the uncertainty of the gig economy and zero-hours contracts. Perks for average and high earners are a world away from the experience of the estimated 5.5 million workers paid under a real living wage, based on the cost of living. These individuals and families are often too exhausted to participate fully in society and our communities.

Young people want to fulfil their hopes as independent adults. This is simply not an option for many of them

Related: Sainsbury's increases staff pay – but axes paid breaks and bonuses

Related: Minimum wage: football clubs and Wagamama among worst underpayers

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2pRz1KZ