Labour AM for the Vale of Clwyd, Ann Jones, has commended the news that NHS Wales is to become a Living Wage employer as welcome news for the staff that work in the NHS. It highlights the immense value and respect the Welsh Government has for the hours put in by NHS workers.
Ms Jones commented: “The announcement sends a clear message that the Welsh Labour Government is committed to tackling poverty and promoting fairness in our public services.
“By building up a motivated and dedicated workforce, the living wage ensures that the hardworking staff in the lesser paid jobs in NHS Wales can enjoy the standard of living that they deserve. That little bit extra each week will make a huge difference to the standard of life of those working in NHS Wales currently on the minimum wage.
“Once again it is this Welsh Labour Government that is committed to investing in our NHS workers in return for the vast amount of work they put in to delivering a quality service for all”.
The Living wage itself is the amount of money calculated for an individual to cover the basic costs of living, it is an informal benchmark that will fluctuate as the cost of living does so and is not a legally enforceable rate like the current minimum wage.
The introduction of the living wage in NHS Wales is a momentous turning point for the service. Across the board, those on minimum wage will now see an increase from £6.31 to £7.65, a £1.34 increase that will go a long way to help the low paid staff of the NHS to make there lives a lot easier.
