Paying a living wage is foundational to social and economic stability. It is an ethical business practice that is at the heart of sustainability.
Fair employment practices is one of the pillars of Environmental, Social and Governance policies. The social component of ESG is about human rights and equity. It recognises that a businesses’ relationship with staff and suppliers impacts on individuals, groups and society as a whole (onetrust). It focuses on equality, fair employment practices, product safety and supply chain transparency, community relations, and more.
If an employee is unable to live on their wages, they’re living in poverty – something which it can be imagined only happens in third world countries – but it happens right here in the UK. About 15% of the working population in the UK earn less than the living wage – that’s 4.5 million people. 42% of those have less than £10 left after paying for essentials (Real Living Wage Foundation) and are unable to cope if anything unexpected happens.
The living wage figure is set by the government. In autumn last year they agreed to an increase to £12.71 per hour for adults over 21 from April 2026. The ‘real living wage’ based on the cost of living is £13.45 per hour in the UK and £14.80 per hour in London, so a person earning the living wage figure set by the government is falling short.
“Over 16,000 employers are already committed to going beyond the statutory minimum to make sure all their workers, including contractors like cleaners and security guards, are always paid a wage that meets living costs so [they] can live with dignity. Half the FTSE 100 as well as thousands of smaller companies are part of this movement because they know the real Living Wage is an investment in their workforce which builds a stronger business through better morale, retention and productivity.”
– Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation
Small businesses commit to paying above the living wage because they work alongside the people who they employ. They are sitting in the same office or working in the same workshop or warehouse as the business owner. They are aware of the struggle of navigating an escalating cost of living crisis and they can see employees who are struggling.
Many of our Blue Patch businesses have committed to paying above the living wage – Angus Ross Furniture and Ava Innes. Angus Ross also provides annual occupational health checks and the best equipment. Ava Innes is committed to UK production, so that they know their products have been made in appropriate conditions. Naturesave Insurers have been real living wage accredited employers since 2017. Aarven Goods and We The Curious are also real living wage accredited employers.
“Paying the real Living Wage is not just the right thing to do, it’s a symbol of our commitment to valuing and uplifting the financial well-being of our employees. We are proud to lead by example and demonstrate that fair pay is not just a buzzword, but a fundamental part of our values.”
– Lisa Smith – Head of People and Places, We The Curious
That’s the attitude that we want to see in our sustainability-minded community at Blue Patch. Businesses in our network go above and beyond the legal requirements to provide safe, fair employment for their staff. They know that this increases loyalty and productivity, but also that it is the right thing to do. The ethical thing to do.
