West Midlands Police becomes fifth force to adopt Living Wage

More than 180 “dedicated” staff members at West Midlands Police (WMP) are set to receive a pay rise after the force adopted the real Living Wage. The scheme will see 185 staff including cleaners and kennel workers receive up to £900 extra per year. Adopting the Living Wage means the lowest paid roles will now earn a minimum of £8.45 per hour, compared to the current National Living Wage at £7.45 an hour, and the National Minimum Wage at £7.05 per hour. The voluntary scheme essentially removes the two lowest pay scales from the force’s staff salary structure. West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) David Jamieson said: “Introducing a real Living Wage for all WMP staff was a key commitment of mine that I`m proud to be delivering. “Fair pay at work doesn`t just help our employees but is good for the regional economy too. That extra money will boost businesses throughout the West Midlands. “Supporting the lowest paid and giving them a fair deal is the hallmark of a good employer.” The PCC’s office is already a Living Wage employer, along with Greater Manchester PCC’s office and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime. Cleveland Police, Northumbria Police, Durham Police and Nottinghamshire Police are the only four forces to have adopted the Living Wage prior to WMP. Chief Constable Dave Thompson added: “We are delighted to be making this announcement to our dedicated and enthusiastic staff. It is only right and proper that we pay our colleagues a fair wage for the excellent work that they do. “When we launched the People Deal last year one of our commitments was to provide greater support for our people. “Our vision to help those in need doesn`t exclude our own people – and by improving the package offered to our lowest paid colleagues it shows our commitment to delivering on the promises that were made.”