Exclusive by Alan Quick

A CREDITON Church is urging other organisations and employers in the town to follow its lead and to consider paying their employees the Real Living Wage.

Crediton Methodist Church employs five members of staff – a full-time youth worker, two sessional youth workers and two cleaners.

The three youth workers have been on a salary significantly more than the National Living Wage. The two cleaners were being paid the minimum National Living Wage.

At a Church Council meeting recently it was agreed that all the church employees should be paid at least the current Real Living Wage, with effect from September 1, 2017.

The Real Living Wage is arrived at by calculating the true cost of living based on a basket of household goods and services and is currently £8.45 per hour.

By paying the Real Living Wage, the Methodist Church says, as employers, it is voluntarily taking a stand to ensure its employees can earn a wage which is enough to live on.

Bronwyn Nott, spokesperson for the church, added: “As supporters and contributors to the Crediton Food Bank we see so many families in dire need and unable to cope without help.

“For people who are paid the Real Living Wage it makes the difference between just getting the Government minimum and earning enough to afford the things you need to live, like a decent meal, a warm house and a birthday treat for the children.

“The Real Living Wage was launched in 2001 by parents who were working two minimum wage jobs and still not able to make ends meet.

“Crediton Methodist Church urges other organisations and employers in the town to follow its lead and to consider paying their employees the Real Living Wage.”

HAVE YOUR SAY

• What do you think about Crediton Methodist Church proposal that all Crediton businesses and organisations pay staff the Real Living Wage? Are you paid the Real Living Wage?

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Alternatively write a letter to: The Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF.