Southwark Council awards local business for Living Wage Week
13 November 2020
In celebration of Living Wage Week, Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham councils are awarding Southwark based, community veg suppliers, Local Greens, a Living Wage Award.
The Living Wage helps to tackle poverty, by putting more money into the pockets of the UK’s lowest paid workers. The council has been accredited since 2011. It pays its entire staff a Living Wage, incentivises the organisations it works with to join the scheme and encourages businesses across the borough, to sign up as well.
Local Greens stand out because not only do they help their staff by paying them the Living Wage, they also work to enable their team through the challenges presented by COVID-19. Local Greens talked to their workers and learned that they would rather keep working than be furloughed. They then introduced a shift system; this allowed for social distancing and helped to keep vulnerable staff at work.
Local Greens also offer a collection service, and find that for many, this helps to break the isolation of being at home. They also work with local businesses to come up with recipes that include their organic, locally sourced produce.
Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Culture and Skills, said: “We understand that these are unprecedented and difficult times for local business, but they are no less challenging for workers on the minimum wage. A hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.
“We thank all of the organisations that continue to support the Living Wage scheme, and encourage others to learn more and sign up as well. Businesses who pay a Living Wage consistently highlight the benefits to both themselves and their employees. Local Greens have worked extra hard, and expertly show how small businesses can help to support their workers, their community and other local businesses. I would like to congratulate Local Greens on winning the Living Wage Award.”
Jean Bergin, Managing Director at Local Greens, said: “Being a Living Wage Employer is a vital part of Local Greens’ ethical and environmental objectives. We pay our farmers and suppliers a fair price, which enables them to pay their workers a living wage and farm to higher standards. We pay our staff the London Living Wage, which empowers them to live, work and shop in their local community.
“We charge our customers a fair price, which supports our not-for-profit business model and principals of the Better Food Traders network. Winning this award proves that by putting people at the heart of our business, we can work towards a better food system and protect our environment within a fair, liveable structure.”
Page last updated: 13 November 2020
