More than 30,000 people work for Centrica and British Gas. The group currently pays at least the Living Wage to its employees, and is also committed to ensuring that contractors in the supply chain are paid at least the Living Wage.
This is at least £7.85 an hour (£9.15 in London), regarded as the real cost of living in the UK. This is significantly higher than the national minimum wage of £6.50 per hour.
Under Living Wage Accreditation, the group will work with third-party contractors and suppliers to agree and implement measures outlined by the Living Wage Foundation.
Andy Houghton, HR Director at British Gas commented:
“We’re a major British employer and we believe paying at least the Living Wage is the right thing to do. This accreditation underpins our commitment to being a responsible employer. We’re very pleased to be working with the Living Wage Foundation to make this happen.”
Rhys Moore, Director, Living Wage Foundation commented:
“We are delighted that British Gas and its parent company, Centrica, are now accredited Living Wage employers. They join 1,600 other businesses that recognise the Living Wage as a mark of responsible business.
“I’m sure that the move taken by one of the UK’s most well-known organisations will encourage others in the energy sector, and the wider business world, to consider how they too can implement the Living Wage.
“The Living Wage is a robust calculation that reflects the real cost of living, rewarding a hard day’s work with a fair day’s pay.”
Gary Smith, GMB National Secretary for Energy, commented:
"The company reached an agreement previously with GMB on the Living Wage. We are delighted that the company is honouring the agreement. This represents real progress for hundreds of contract staff around British Gas and it is really good news. "
UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis commented:
"Today's announcement will put a spring in the step of the many workers employed by contractors and suppliers who work with British Gas and Centrica. UNISON is pleased to been part of the process that has helped make the living wage a reality for them. Now it's over to the other energy companies who have yet to make the living wage grade to follow the good example being set today, and give their staff a decent pay rise too."