7,000 local workers have benefitted from pay rises to the London Living Wage, which is currently set at £13.85 per hour.
Southwark has reached a major milestone in its campaign for fair pay, with over 400 businesses now accredited as Living Wage Employers. This achievement ensures that thousands of workers in the borough are earning a fair wage that reflects the cost of living in London.
The latest business to receive accreditation is PR and marketing consultancy Ketchum, helping Southwark surpass the 400-employer mark. As a result, 7,000 local workers have benefitted from pay rises to the London Living Wage, which is currently set at £13.85 per hour. This increase provides full-time workers with an additional £4,500 annually compared to the national minimum wage of £11.44 per hour.
The drive for fair wages in Southwark has gained significant momentum, with 105 new accreditations secured in 2024 alone. Notable employers such as Shakespeare’s Globe, the Imperial War Museum, Southwark Law Centre, and Bankside Open Spaces Trust have joined the movement, contributing to a total of 1,964 workers receiving a well-earned pay rise in the past year.
A Commitment to Fair Pay
Councillor John Batteson, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs, and Business, welcomed the achievement:
“This is a fantastic milestone for Southwark. Our borough is home to some of the most dedicated and forward-thinking employers who recognise that fair pay is not just good for workers, but also for business and the local economy. With over 400 accredited Living Wage Employers and counting, we are setting the standard for fair employment practices across London. We encourage more businesses to join us in ensuring that workers are paid fairly for the vital work they do.”
Ketchum PR, one of the latest employers to be accredited, highlighted the importance of the initiative.
Janita Lakhanpal, Director and Inclusion Chair at Ketchum, stated: “Becoming a Living Wage Employer is a natural step in our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable workplace. At Ketchum, we believe progress starts with people – and fair pay is a fundamental building block in creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our Living Wage accreditation reflects the value we place on every member of our team and reinforces our belief that meaningful inclusion means meeting real-world needs. It’s about action, not just intention, and this is one way we’re putting our values into practice.”
For employees like Kishanth Yogan, a Kickstart Intern at Ketchum, the Living Wage makes a tangible difference: “As a recent graduate working as an intern at Ketchum, being paid the London Living Wage has been a considerable benefit. It enables me to effectively manage my expenses, save a portion of my income, and contribute towards supporting my parents – alleviating some of their financial stress. Witnessing Ketchum’s commitment to equality and fairness gives me peace of mind to fully focus on learning and growing in my role, as well as contributing to the team.”
Building a Fairer Borough
Southwark’s success in securing Living Wage accreditations aligns with its long-term Southwark 2030 strategy, which envisions a fairer and more prosperous borough. The council has taken several steps to further this goal:
Commissioning research in partnership with King’s College London to engage newly accredited employers.
Expanding partnerships with local businesses, including Borough Market, where over 35 accredited traders operate.
Launching a grant scheme that has supported 65 employers to become accredited.
Targeting growth in the creative sector and built environment, leading to an increase in accreditations.
As a result of these efforts, Southwark now ranks among the top three London boroughs for Living Wage accreditations, climbing from fifth place in August 2023 to third place by December 2024.
A Call for More Employers to Join
Southwark Council is urging more local businesses to join the campaign and become Living Wage Employers. Accreditation means committing to paying directly employed staff the real Living Wage and ensuring that contracted workers receive the same fair wage.
With over 400 accredited businesses already on board and thousands of workers benefitting, Southwark continues to lead the way in promoting fair pay and setting an example for other boroughs to follow.
