How the Living Wage Impacts Brighton Businesses
Brighton Chamber has spearheaded the local Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign since 2012, and it’s the only business-led Living Wage initiative in the UK.
Starting with Brighton & Hove Buses as our first employer, the campaign now boasts over 900 businesses and has uplifted the salaries of nearly 5,000 people across the city.
What Is It?
Unlike the government-set national minimum wage, the Living Wage is independently calculated based on the cost of living to ensure a reasonable standard of life.
The current Living Wage stands at £12 per hour, or £23,400 annually for a 37.5-hour week. It applies to both hourly and salaried staff, ensuring fair pay across the board.
Who’s Onboard?
Businesses across diverse sectors, including hospitality, retail, construction, PR, education, and healthcare, have joined the campaign.
Here is a selection of the hospitality businesses in Brighton and Hove that support the Living Wage. .
- Cin Cin
- Wild Flor (the team pictured below)
- Restaurants Brighton
- Plotting Parlour
- The Bevvy
- Happy Maki
- The Bristol Bar
This community of values-driven, people-focused businesses is making Brighton a better place to work and do business.
Why It Matters for Brighton
A recent survey revealed that 80% of businesses believe the Living Wage Campaign is crucial for Brighton.
More than two-thirds of businesses would consider a Living Wage employer as a preferred supplier or collaborator.
This reflects Brighton’s progressive and entrepreneurial spirit, with the Living Wage positively impacting the wider economy.
What are the benefits of the Brighton Living Wage Campaign?
For 73% of participating businesses, the Living Wage is vital for their employer brand, and 80% find it aids in recruitment and talent attraction.
Additionally, over half of the businesses reported that paying the Living Wage contributes to a more diverse and inclusive workforce, making jobs more accessible.
Overcoming Challenges
While some businesses face challenges due to smaller profits and high wage costs, they recognise the importance of paying the Living Wage, especially given Brighton’s high cost of living.
If you’re unsure whether your business can afford it, we recommend talking to others in your sector for advice—we can help connect you.
Join the Brighton Living Wage Campaign and Make a Difference
We’re aiming to reach our next milestone of 1,000 businesses paying the Living Wage.
The more businesses that join, the greater the impact on our city. Signing up is free, and you’ll be joining over 900 businesses committed to making Brighton a fantastic place to live and work.
Visit livingwagebrighton.co.uk to learn more.
Special thanks to Bonamy Waddell from Bon Insight for survey analysis and Franki Martelli from FDM Design for infographics. The Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign, supported by UNISON and Brighton & Hove City Council, is run by Brighton Chamber, an inclusive membership organisation supporting businesses of all sizes.