Stephen Crocker from Norwich Theatre celebrates fair pay

This week is Real Living Wage Week and the celebration of a remarkable milestone: more than 15,000 accredited employers who have committed to paying their staff a Real Living Wage.

This commitment goes beyond mere compliance; it represents a dedication to fairness, dignity, and the wellbeing of employees.

In the budget last week, the government announced it is increasing the National Living Wage (which is the new name for minimum wage). Whilst a good thing, it is important to remember that there remains a tangible difference between the government’s National Living Wage and the Real Living Wage. The latter being transparently based on the cost of living.

Last night Norwich Theatre Royal was host to a celebration organised by the Norwich Real Living Wage Action Group. The event was a testament to the growing movement towards fair pay, featuring updates from recently accredited employers and insights from a national perspective.

The celebration at Theatre Royal was more than just a recognition of individual achievements; it was an opportunity to share the broader benefits of real Living Wage accreditation. Employers heard first-hand about the positive changes that come with being a Real Living Wage Employer and shared their different experiences with those who are actively working towards or considering making this commitment.

Norwich Theatre became an accredited real Living Wage Employer in April 2023. We have not only noticed a positive impact on both staff morale and business operations, including an 8% increase in our employee engagement survey score for rewards and benefits, but it feels like we are best living out our value of honesty.  After we introduced Real Living Wage, I remember some colleagues thanking me not only for the benefits to them but for being so open and honest with what this means for the organisation and recognising that valuing staff is a priority beyond all else.

The financial benefits are equally compelling. Since becoming a real Living Wage Employer, our voluntary turnover rate has halved, with an even more dramatic reduction in our hospitality areas.

This decrease in turnover has led to significant recruitment cost savings and an improvement in the quality of job applicants. These outcomes underscore the broader business case for paying a real Living Wage: it not only enhances employee wellbeing but also strengthens organisational performance.

Of course, taking the bold step to become a real Living Wage employer is not without its financial challenges for our organisation. 65% of our workforce are directly affected by changes to the real living wage and hence maintaining the accreditation is a significant expense and will continue to be so, particularly given the 1.2% increase in employers NI contributions that are coming from 6 April 2025 following last week’s budget announcement. It is however a commitment that we will not shy away from in line with our values and we will tackle these challenges head-on.

The movement is gaining momentum across the creative sector. Last month, the National Theatre joined the scheme, following in not only our footsteps, but those of Shakespeare’s Globe and the Old Vic.

These institutions are demonstrating that creative careers can and should provide a real living wage. This commitment is crucial in a sector often perceived as financially precarious. By ensuring that creative professionals can earn a wage they can actually live on, these organisations are making creative careers a viable option for more people.

Living Wage accreditation also addresses a critical issue: the ability to live and work in the same city. Too often, workers in low-wage jobs are forced to commute long distances because they cannot afford to live near their place of work. By paying a real Living Wage, employers help ensure that their staff can live in the communities they serve, fostering a stronger connection between people and place.

The benefits of fair pay extend beyond individual employees and organisations. When everyone in a city is paid fairly, the entire community prospers. Fair wages contribute to economic stability, reduce poverty, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. This holistic approach to prosperity—encompassing people, place, and economic health—is at the heart of the real Living Wage movement.

As we celebrate Real Living Wage Week, it is important to recognise the collective effort of all accredited employers. Their commitment to fair pay is not just a business decision; it is a statement of values. It reflects a belief in the dignity of work and the importance of ensuring that all employees can live with dignity and security.

As more employers join this movement, I hope we can look forward to a future where fair pay is the norm, not the exception. This real Living Wage Week, let us celebrate the progress we have made and recommit to the work that lies ahead. Together, we can build a better, fairer world for all.