Criterion has become formally accredited as a Living Wage Employer, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that all employees receive a fair wage.
The living wage is an independently calculated rate of pay that reflects the actual cost of living in the UK. Unlike the government's minimum wage, which is set by law, the living wage is a voluntary commitment made by employers to pay their staff a fair wage.
Citizens UK started the campaign for Living Wage in 2001 after churches, mosques, schools and other local institutions were brought together to discuss the issues affecting their communities. The campaign quickly gained momentum, with more businesses signing up to become Living Wage Employers. Today, the campaign has grown into a global movement, with Living Wage campaigns in countries worldwide.
To become a Living Wage Employer, businesses must commit to paying all their employees, including contractors and sub-contractors, at least the living wage rate. The rate is reviewed annually, and employers must increase their wages accordingly to maintain their accreditation.
Although Criterion has been providing living wage since its creation in 2017, the living Wage accreditation is a tangible way to demonstrate our commitment to continuing to provide a supportive working environment to our team.
Billy Burnside, Managing Director, said:
We are pleased to have received the Living Wage accreditation, which is a formal recognition of our longstanding commitment to paying a fair wage to all of our employees. At Criterion, we believe that every employee deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, including paying them a wage that reflects the true cost of living. This accreditation demonstrates our ongoing dedication to ensuring that our employees are valued and supported in all aspects of their working lives. We are proud to be part of the global movement of Living Wage Employers, and we hope that our example will inspire other businesses to follow suit and commit to paying a fair wage to their employees.
