FC United becomes first football club to be a Living Wage employer

FC United of Manchester has been accredited by The Living Wage Foundation as a Living Wage employer, the first ever football club at any level to have signed up to the scheme.

The Living Wage commitment will see everyone working at FC United, regardless of whether they are permanent employees or third-party contractors and suppliers, receive a minimum hourly wage of £7.65, which is significantly higher than the national minimum wage of £6.50.

The Living Wage is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually and calculated according to the basic cost of living using the ‘Minimum Income Standard’ for the UK. Decisions about what to include in this standard are set by the public; it is a social consensus about what people need to make ends meet.

Commenting on the club’s decision to become a Living Wage employer, FC United company secretary Lindsey Howard said: “FC United is happy not only to be Living Wage providers but also to raise awareness of this scheme. It is an important extension of our values and ethos as a community social enterprise.

"We also know that many people struggle to make ends meet on minimum wage. The living wage, and other policies that address the issue of low-paid workers, can make employees feel less like commodities as well as being part of a positive step in the fight against poverty.???

Employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis. The Living Wage enjoys cross party support, with public backing from the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Living Wage Foundation director, Rhys Moore said: “We are delighted to accredit FC United of Manchester as a Living Wage employer. They join more than 900 accredited businesses and organisations from high street brands such as Nationwide and Nestle through to independent companies ranging from printers to care providers and pubs.

"Unfortunately, despite calls from many supporters’ groups and season ticket holders, no Premiership football club has been accredited as a Living Wage employer. We welcome the leadership FC United Manchester is showing and hope other clubs, including some of the big name, big money teams, follow their stance and reward a hard day’s work with a fair day’s pay.???

For further information on the Living Wage Foundation visit www.livingwage.org.uk