An opinion piece from Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council and Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Partnerships
Are you worried about the high cost of living in Oxford? We are too.
Do you want to help us make it easier for local people? You can be part of the solution by committing to paying the Oxford Living Wage to your staff.
In 2018, Oxford City Council launched the Oxford Living Wage, a minimum hourly wage rate based on the Living Wage Foundation’s Real Living Wage.
It is set at 95% of the Real Living Wage for London and was designed to provide livable earnings in Oxford, recognising the city's high cost of living.
We review it annually and as of April 5 2024, the rate will be £12.49 per hour for employees and contractors.
But it's not just about numbers—it's about building a fairer community. By committing to the Oxford Living Wage, you're ensuring that every person who is contributing to your business and to our city’s economy is more likely to be able to afford to live here and to spend money back in the local economy.
For employers, research shows clear benefits.
Not only will it mean your staff are better off and more likely to be able to live near their work, but it is also good for your business. We know it also helps with recruitment and retention of staff, a frequent challenge for local employers.
Treating your workers well makes them happier and more productive, which helps your business grow and makes your customers more loyal.
Research from the Living Wage Foundation found that paying a living wage leads to fewer complaints and staff absences, reducing HR costs.
Being an official Oxford Living Wage-accredited employer also means you’ll be listed on the Council’s website, be invited to an annual event and benefit from promotion as part of our employer recognition scheme.
Over 130 businesses earned accreditation last year, and I'm keen to see that number grow. It isn’t hard to get involved, the accreditation doesn't cost you anything, and it's easy to do.
You can either write to the Council confirming your commitment or complete this short form to register your interest and we’ll contact you to gather more information.
Let's work together to create a fairer future for Oxford. Visit our Oxford Living Wage webpage for more information on the benefits and how to get involved.
Together, we can make a difference. Join us today in our mission to make Oxford fairer and more affordable for everyone.
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council and Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Partnerships
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