In the UK, The Living Wage Foundation has published a new toolkit designed to help employers within the service provision industry to join the Living Wage network. The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate based on the cost of living. Service providers can be part of the network by either accrediting as a Living Wage Employer or signing up to the Recognised Service Provider scheme.

The toolkit offers context around the Living Wage, both generally and within the service provision industry, including the benefits of the Living Wage to both employers and employees. It presents the accreditation process with case studies from businesses who have already signed up, and answers some frequently asked questions. Finally, it highlights further opportunities for fair pay and good employment practices. More than 200 UK cleaning companies are accredited Living Wage Employers.

According to Dominic Ponniah – CEO and co-founder of Cleanology – and Phil Smith – managing director of Indigo Integrated FM – and both co-chairs of the Living Wage Foundation’s Recognised Service Provider Leadership Group: “it is a sound commercial business decision, because you get a more motivated team” and “it is also business-critical in the outsourced FM industry, as these essential workers keep schools, hospitals and countless other commercial environments operational.”