Brunelcare has renewed its membership with the Living Wage Foundation, maintaining its status as a real Living Wage Employer for 2023.

As an accredited Living Wage Employer, Brunelcare has increased salary rates to reflect the update to the real Living Wage for 2023, ensuring all Brunelcare colleagues receive at or above the new rate of £10.90 per hour. 

The new rate is an increase of 10.1%, the largest in the Living Wage Foundation’s history, and an hourly rate of £1.40 above the National Living Wage. As a result of the increase, 443 Brunelcare colleagues will receive the maximum pay increase of 10.1%.

The voluntary increase is calculated each year by the Living Wage Foundation to encourage employers to provide a salary that meets the costs of living rather than the Government minimum. Research from the Living Wage Foundation shows that the difference between the national and real Living Wage could pay for 14 weeks’ worth of food shops, or 11 weeks of housing & energy costs.

In April 2022, Brunelcare was proud to become a Living Wage employer and was accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, moving to a minimum hourly rate of £9.90.

Brunelcare has committed to remain a Real Living Wage employer to demonstrate the charity’s determination to increase the value of pay in the care sector and recognise the importance of what care colleagues do, providing person-centred care, housing and support.

Brian Whittaker, Human Resources and Organisational Development Director, said: “I am very proud of the Trustees and senior team at Brunelcare for their determination to retain our commitment to the real Living Wage. 

It has been a real challenge to deliver as we continue to navigate the energy and cost of living crisis. Our colleagues do wonderful work every single day, enabling people to live independently, and we are determined to ensure that they are paid a fair wage in recognition of their truly inspiring compassion and commitment.”