Great news – a solid boost to the Living Wage is being announced today as the rate is set to increase to $23.65 per hour for 2022/23. This kicks in from 1 September for employees of over 300 Living Wage employers.
Thanks to the hard work of our experts at the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit, including Charles Waldegrave, we know that there’s a 4 percent increase to average ordinary time hourly earnings. That’s much needed support for families around the country who receive the Living Wage.
Our Principal Partner Kiwibank’s Charlotte Ward describes why it’s important. “For someone who works, as a cleaner or security guard and might otherwise be paid the minimum wage, it makes a meaningful difference. We value their support and want to make sure everyone involved in the mahi to run our organisation is paid at a rate sufficient to afford life’s necessities, spend time with their families and participate in their community. With increased costs and rising inflation, the living wage is even more important.”
Today we also announce Buddlay Findlay’s recent accreditation, and like Tess Upperton from Aotearoa Legal Workers Union, we want all law firms to follow suit. We have a few, but we need more to step up.
After so many have worked through the challenges of COVID it is heartening to see the commitment to the Living Wage is still strong. La Petit Chocolate in Hawkes Bay, say “these are difficult times for small businesses in NZ, but we believe, being able to contribute to our staff wellbeing helps to ensure our business productivity and stability in the long run.”