Leeds Beckett Students' Union is now a Real Living Wage Employer!
We're proud to announce our accreditation as a Real Living Wage Employer! This is a huge step towards ensuring that all our staff receive a wage that reflects the true cost of living, exceeding the government's minimum wage requirements. This milestone highlights our dedication to supporting students through all aspects of our strategy – including as employees.
We know that our students are struggling to have their basic needs met. Our new strategy focuses on addressing this issue. By providing more student jobs with fair pay, we’re doubling down on our commitment to students by fostering a supportive and equitable environment for all our student employees. Becoming Real Living Wage accreditated is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our students.
At LBSU, we want to be a leader among students’ unions, setting a benchmark for others to follow in the sector. This decision reflects our understanding of the challenges students are facing in the current economic climate and showcases LBSU's proactive approach to addressing these issues for our student members.
Branch Chair of Leeds Beckett UNISON, Michael Austin, said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement for Leeds Beckett SU to become a Living Wage Foundation accredited employer and commend them for actively building a positive working relationship with UNISON, as the recognised trade union, in the interests of their employees.”
“Students, who are predominantly young people, make up the majority of employees working casual hours at LBSU and they face the same living costs as anyone else. This commitment will make a real difference to their lives and demonstrates the type of employer LBSU aspires to be. We look forward to continuing to advocate for improved terms and conditions for colleagues and to furthering the strong working relationship that we've established."
The decision to become a Real Living Wage Employer reflects LBSU's broader objective to create a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable community. It resonates with the Union's dedication to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all student staff feel valued and supported.
LBSU Chief Executive, Neil Mackenzie, commented: “This is an important step to further solidify our support for students throughout the rising cost of living - not just through providing more job and development opportunities, but by ensuring they're competitively compensated too. We’re looking forward to continuing our work to support our employees and students, both internally and beyond.”
Find out more about the Real Living Wage Foundation here.
Read more about our new strategy focusing on community organising here.
For more information about the campaigns we’re focusing on this year, including part-time work and employability campaigns, check out our community organising page here.