Established in 2011, the Living Wage Foundation campaigns to ensure employees receive a wage that is higher than the government minimum and is based on actual living costs. Currently, only a few small contract catering businesses in the UK have signed up.
Dave Hawkes, co-director at the Uxbridge-based B&I catering company, said: “We are proud to join the efforts of over 6,000 responsible employers across the UK, accredited by the foundation as a Living Wage Employer.
“It clearly illustrates our commitment to treating our employees fairly and we are delighted to be joining many small businesses, as well as many FTSE 100 and household names such as Ikea, Aviva, Nationwide and Google in making such a promise.
“The UK, and our sector in particular, has been through a devastating six-month period and an uncertain future lies ahead. But we believe the best way out of this crisis is to pay fairly, look after our teams and attract the very best talent the hospitality sector has to offer.”
Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation, added: “We’re delighted to celebrate Houston & Hawkes as a Living Wage Employer. It has been a challenging time for the catering industry, but Houston & Hawkes are showing real leadership by committing to pay their team members a Living Wage that covers the cost of living.
“People are the lifeblood of any business and those organisations that support them during this period will be the ones who emerge from this crisis stronger.”