An 11-storey tower block is today revealed as Britain’s first “Living Wage building”.
All firms based at International House have agreed to pay workers and contractors at least £10.55 an hour – £2.34 more than the Government’s legal minimum.
The move is a boost for the Living Wage Foundation, the campaign which urges bosses to lift pay rates above the statutory floor.
It hopes more leaseholders will declare their properties “Living Wage buildings”, expanding the rollout of higher pay.
The Government’s National Living Wage – in reality, a rebranded minimum – is £8.21 for workers aged 25 and over, falling to £7.70 for employees aged 21 to 24; £6.15 for those aged 18 to 20; and just £4.35 for those under-18.
In contrast, the real Living Wage is £9 an hour, rising to £10.55 in London where costs are higher, with no age restrictions.
International House in Brixton, South London, is owned by Lambeth Council and run by 3Space.
The former council office reopened in 2018 and will provide 850 jobs when fully occupied.
Director Katherine Chapman said: “We’re delighted to see International House become the country’s first Living Wage building.
“Lambeth Council has shown real leadership in asking businesses based within its buildings to pay the London Living Wage.
“We know the huge impact that supportive local authorities like Lambeth can have in driving Living Wage take-up.
“Across the UK many councils are now not only accrediting as Living Wage employers but also using their convening power to help spread Living Wage accreditation through local businesses and supply chains.”
Analysts calculate the voluntary rate taking into account costs like housing, travel and healthy food, and extras like kids’ birthday presents.
Bosses say it helps companies’ reputation, employee retention and boosts staff motivation.
Lambeth council’s Cabinet member for planning, Matthew Bennett, said “being named as the UK’s first Living Wage building really cements the significance of this project”.
He added: “We have a really ambitious programme of delivering more affordable workspace and creating more high-quality jobs for local people.”
