The Manchester Living Wage Action Group has been recognised with a prestigious national award for its outstanding work in championing the Real Living Wage and driving positive change for workers across Manchester.
Presented at the annual Living Wage Champion Awards, (7th July) the award recognises the partnership's leadership in promoting fair pay, supporting employers to become accredited Living Wage Employers, and helping to grow the Living Wage movement across the city.
The Manchester Living Wage Action Group is the partnership responsible for leading Manchester’s ambition to become a Living Wage City.
Bringing together employers and supporting institutions from the public, private, education, health, voluntary and community sectors, the group works collaboratively to increase the number of accredited Living Wage Employers and ensure more workers receive a wage that reflects the real cost of living.
Manchester City Council has played a central role in driving this work forward, using its influence and partnerships across the city to encourage organisations to commit to the Real Living Wage and helping to embed fair employment practices across Manchester.
The award reflects the significant impact of the partnership's efforts. Through its work, approximately 9,671 workers across Manchester are now benefiting from higher pay through Living Wage-accredited employers, helping thousands of people and families better meet everyday living costs.
One mother who benefited from the campaigning said: "I feel like I am breaking the cycle and creating opportunities for my children to reach their potential, all because of a fair wage.”
The recognition comes during a year of continued growth for the Living Wage movement nationally, with the network expanding to nearly 17,000 Living Wage Employers across the UK. Manchester's achievements have been highlighted as an example of strong local leadership and effective partnership working in support of fair pay for not just this award but for the last 25 years.
By bringing together organisations from across different sectors, the Manchester Living Wage Action Group has helped spread awareness of the Real Living Wage, supported employers through the accreditation process and strengthened Manchester's position as a city committed to tackling in-work poverty and improving employment standards.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Deputy Leader for Manchester City Council, said: "We are incredibly proud that the Manchester Living Wage Action Group has received this prestigious award. This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of partners across the city who are working together to ensure more people are paid a wage that meets the real cost of living. Manchester City Council has been proud to support and champion this work, helping thousands of workers benefit from higher pay and improved financial security. Together, we will continue to grow the Living Wage movement across Manchester and build a fairer, more inclusive economy for everyone."