North Down Council Living Wage Motion Passed

A motion calling for the North Down and Ards Council to adapt the living wage has received unanimous support at a meeting of the super Council, according to the Alliance Party.

The motion, proposed by Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong, means a report will now be prepared detailing the potential costs and highlighting how the council could implement the living wage as the lowest entry point for employees. The living wage is calcualted according to the cost of living in the UK and is updated annually.

Councillor Armstrong said: "This motion aims to set a standard whereby employees at the lowest entry point to the new council would be paid a realistic living wage rather than the minimum wage. Once the report is completed the new Council will be able to make its final decision based on clear facts. Supporting the living wage demonstrates our commitment to improve the living standards of our staff and would be a progressive initiative for North Down and Ards Council to consider implementing."

Councillor Stewart Anderson said: "The proposal provides the Council with the opportunity to consider the financial impact of introducing the living wage. With anticipated costs expected to be minimal, Alliance is hopeful this will soon become a reality - ensuring staff currently being paid at the lowest level are receiving an affordable wage. In the new Council we want out staff to not only survive, but thrive on the wage they are paid for the job they deliver and would hope to encourage other employers in the North Down and Ards area to adapt this."

(IT/CD)