Member Article

Major charity Local Solutions announces Real Living Wage increase for more than 400 front-line staff

A major employer has announced they will pay more than 400 front-line staff across Merseyside and North Wales the Real Living Wage.

The move by dynamic charitable enterprise Local Solutions comes after staff consultation and a proposal by newly-appointed chief executive Tom Harrison to increase care workers’ pay.

Tom explained that since April 2021, the charity has raised carer pay three separate times and almost halved the gap in earnings between all staff in what is a very positive move.

“This was a carefully made decision but something that was a complete priority for us,” Tom said.

“These carers and support workers are the people who have been there for us throughout the pandemic and we are doing everything we can to support them - because they deserve it.

“We have a responsibility to lead on frontline pay and giving all staff a rise to the recommended Real Living Wage is a great first step.

“It wasn’t easy to do but they are all heroes and it’s important we look after the front line.”

Local Solutions are a socially engaged organisation with trustees stating they “want to lead from the front”.

As a result, employee benefits are wide and far-reaching to make sure all staff who always show consistent and exceptional dedication are well looked after.

This includes paid training, benefits like discounts at Local Solution’s incredible Watersports Centre and access to health supportive programmes among many others.

It’s all part of a drive from the charitable enterprise to ensure the 33,000 people Local Solutions reaches out to across Merseyside and North Wales are incredibly well cared for and supported.

Tom added: “There is not enough funding in the care system, but we wanted to take immediate steps to ensure that our fantastic carers and support workers are not losing out.

“An immediate pay rise now to a minimum of £9.90 per hour plus a commitment to continuing as a Real Living Wage Employer demonstrates our values and priorities.”

Local Solutions launched back in 1974 to focus on serving communities across Liverpool City Region and North Wales and assist people in leading fulfilled lives while realising their full potential.

Their services are diverse and are designed to empower and enable a broad cross section of the community. They provide support and accommodation for young people enabling them to develop independence while increasing the safety and security of children through Bullybusters and support victims of domestic abuse through counselling, support and the Worst Kept Secret helpline.

Local Solutions also improve the health and well-being of the elderly through their domiciliary care provision and provide independence and freedom through their Shopmobility and employability programmes. In addition the charity provides valuable respite to carers from across the city through the MyTime scheme.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Miller .