Our Living Wage commitment means that everyone working at ESY receives a minimum hourly wage of £12, higher than the government minimum for over 21s, which currently stands at £11.44 per hour.

The real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to the costs of living. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that wish to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, not just the government minimum. Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 460,000 people and put £3 billion extra into the pockets of low paid workers.

Commenting on becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer, John Randall, Interim CEO for ESY said, “At ESY, we value our staff and their commitment and dedication in supporting young people, either through providing high-quality youth services or generating much needed income in our charity shop. We, therefore, feel it is only right that they rewarded for their hard work. “

John continues, “We are delighted that our commitment has been recognised and by being awarded the accreditation, it publicly demonstrates that ESY is a good and responsible employer. I believe paying a real Living Wage will help to improve ESY’s employer brand and will help us to retain and attract high quality staff. “

Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation said: “We are delighted that Electric Storm Youth has joined the movement of over 14,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.

“They join thousands of small businesses and organisations as well as household names such as Burberry, Barclays, Everton Football Club and many more. These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and they, like Electric Storm Youth, believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay."

ENDS

About Electric Storm Youth

Founded in 2007, Electric Storm Youth (ESY) is a youth work charity based in Lancing, West Sussex. We run a full range of youth-based programmes, including young carers support, mental health counselling, general youth sessions, LGBTQ+ sessions, street-based (detached) youth work, mentoring and work-experience.

ESY currently supports up to 200 young people by working to improve their personal and social development, teaching them new skills, and improving the quality of their lives.

About the Living Wage

The real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to what people need to make ends meet. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that choose to take a stand, by ensuring their staff earn a wage that meets the costs and pressures they face in their everyday lives.

The UK Living Wage is currently £12 per hour. There is a separate London Living Wage rate of £13.15 per hour to reflect the higher costs of transport, childcare and housing in the capital. These figures are calculated annually by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission, based on the best available evidence on living standards in London and the UK.