The Living Wage

The Living Wage is an independently calculated hourly wage rate designed to pay employees enough to cover their basic living needs (e.g. cost of food, housing and basic needs). Although the household circumstances of each worker will be different, the wage rate is calculated to reflect a locally determined minimum acceptable standard of living.

The vast majority of Catholic schools pay the Living Wage to their employees, with many also accredited with the Living Wage Foundation. The Church’s position is clear that paying the Living Wage is the most important thing, however, we encourage those who can, to become accredited.

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In November 2012 at their plenary meeting in Leeds, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales passed this resolution on the Living Wage:

The Bishops' Conference recognises that fair wages are essential to the common good of our society. In accordance with Catholic social teaching, and as part of its mission to support the poor and vulnerable, the Bishops' Conference fully endorses the principle of the Living Wage and encourages Catholic organisations and charities in England and Wales to work towards its implementation.

The Bishops' Resolution draws upon the wealth of theological support that the Church has for a 'just wage' and recognised the important role that Catholic organisations can play in serving the Common Good.

The Living Wage embodies the mission of the Church to the poor and encompasses a range of Catholic Social Teaching themes of Solidarity, Subsidiarity and the importance of Human Dignity. This invitation from the Bishops of England and Wales for Catholic organisations to consider the Living Wage is both part of the Church's mission to the poor and also a way for all Catholics to put their faith into action.

The Living Wage, a concept found in a number of Papal Encyclicals spanning over 100 years of Church teaching, has a distinctly Catholic feel to it. Five encyclicals, found within resources below, provide a body of Church literature which contemplates the value and purpose of labour in a market economy and what this means from a Catholic perspective.

Becoming a Living Wage employer

Becoming a Living Wage employer is a staged process, which can be completed over a period of time. Employers must first ensure that all directly employed members of staff are paid no less than the Living Wage. Secondly, the employer must ensure that any contractors providing services to the school must be paid the Living Wage.

It is important to note that the situation in each school may vary. Schools should seek legal advice and support from their relevant HR officer/contact when considering the impact of implementing the Living Wage, particularly in respect of their duty to consult with their employees.

If you have any HR or financial queries connected to becoming a Living Wage employer, please also consult with your Diocesan Education Commission.

For more information please see the Living Wage Foundation.