By Sophie Little, North West Programme Manager at the Living Wage Foundation
On Thursday 6 July, the Living Wage Champions Awards were held in Greater Manchester for the first time ever in recognition of the growth and strength of the movement in the region.
Greater Manchester has 693 Living Wage Employers – meaning nearly 25,000 workers receiving a pay rise in line with the cost of living every year – and 18 Living Hours Employers, more than anywhere else in the UK.
In 2021, it became the first city-region in the UK to be recognised for its plan to bring employers together from the public and private sectors and civil society to create a Living Wage city-region where the real Living Wage is the norm. The awards were hosted by BBC North West presenter Annabel Tiffin and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham delivered an opening speech. Of the 22 winners nationally, four were from Greater Manchester:
- Advocate of the Year Award: Chris Smallwood, Anchor Removals
- Beyond the Living Wage Award: One+All
- Campaign of the Year Award: Greater Manchester Campaign calling on Anchor Hanover to Accredit
- Third Sector Champion: Salford CVS.
Greater Manchester Poverty Action (GMPA) sponsored the Living Wage Places award category which was won by Royal Docks and the award was presented by GMPA Chief Executive, Graham Whitham.
It was a great night, and we are grateful to the support we received from GMPA as an award sponsor, and also for the support and collaboration we receive all year round from the Greater Manchester Living Wage Campaign.
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