Churches asked to pay Living Wage

Liam Purcell, of Church Action on Poverty, says “Studies have established that £7.60 an hour – significantly higher than the national Minimum Wage – is the minimum required to sustain a basic livelihood in the UK today. Ultimately, we hope that the Minimum Wage will be increased to this level, so that wages are adequate to maintain human dignity and keep people out of poverty.”

 

Church Action on Poverty is asking that churches lead the way on this issue, and set an example for other employers.

 

Liam Purcell again “All the churches teach that each person is intrinsically worthwhile in the eyes of God, no matter who they are or what they have done. Cardinal Hume said that ‘each individual has a value that can never be lost and must never be ignored’. Similarly, The Common Good, a statement by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, noted that ‘scripture tells us we will be judged by our response to the ‘least of these’ ... employers… have a duty to pay a just wage, the level of which should take account of the needs of the individual and not just his or her value on the so-called labour market … Employers who pay only the level of wage that the labour market demands, however low, are avoiding their moral responsibilities for the welfare of their employees.’ Churches Together in Britain & Ireland has said that ‘in a wealthy society like ours it is scandalous that some people in full-time employment should be living close to the margin of subsistence’”.

 

Several leading denominations have lent their support to this campaign. Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed denominations are now committed to paying the Living Wage. Church Action on Poverty is asking all churches belonging to one of these denominations to make sure that they are meeting this responsibility. Churches from other denominations are asked to lead the way by making a commitment to pay the Living Wage.

 

Church Action on Poverty has prepared a Living Wage briefing for churches. It explains how the Living Wage is calculated, gives more theological background, and explains how you can sign up as a Living Wage church. Please download the briefing at www.church-poverty.org.uk/campaigns/livingwage, or call 0161 236 9321 to request a printed copy.