Charitable care provider Methodist Homes (MHA) is delighted to announce it has been officially awarded Living Wage accreditation.
MHA has been paying colleagues at least the real Living Wage for eight years and has now received formal accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation.
Paying the real Living Wage makes sure that MHA’s employees receive a wage which reflects the true cost of living and reinforces the charity’s commitment to its 6,000 colleagues. It means all are paid fairly, helping reduce financial stress and improving their wellbeing. All colleagues receive a minimum hourly wage of £13.45 (£14.80 in London), higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £12.71 per hour.
MHA is the second largest accredited care provider in England and the largest organisation with its head office based in the East Midlands. The charity runs 71 residential, nursing and specialist dementia care homes, 59 retirement living communities and 37 community-based hubs, known as MHA Communities, supporting and caring for more than 16,000 older people.
The Living Wage Foundation’s real Living Wage remains the only UK wage rate independently calculated based on the cost of living, rising annually based on living costs.
Cathryn Taylor, MHA’s Director of People and Communications, said: “We are delighted to now be formally accredited by the Living Wage Foundation after paying the real Living Wage to our colleagues for the past eight years.
“Paying the real Living Wage reflects our commitment to making sure those who care for and support the thousands of older people who choose our services are valued and feel more secure.
“And when our people feel respected and supported, it means the quality of care and support we give to those who entrust their wellbeing to MHA is of a high quality. It also helps us retain colleagues, ensuring that our residents and members have continuity in those who look after them.”
Katherine Chapman, Executive Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that MHA has become an accredited Living Wage Employer, joining a growing movement of over 16,000 organisations across the UK committed to paying a wage based on the cost of living.
“As one of the largest care providers in England to join the movement, and the largest based in the East Midlands, this is a significant step that will make a real difference to workers and their families. In a sector where low pay is still far too common, MHA’s leadership shows what’s possible when employers choose to go further and ensure staff can earn enough to live on.
“By becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer, MHA is supporting its workforce and setting a powerful example to others across the care sector and beyond.”
