Theatre Royal Plymouth commits to Real Living Wage
Theatre Royal Plymouth has today announced it is a Real Living Wage employer that means staff will now earn a minimum of £9 an hour instead of the National Living Wage of £8.21.
The Real Living Wage is the only rate based on the actual costs of living and is a voluntary benchmark for employers that want to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, not just the government minimum.
The uplift will effect around 75% of the Theatre’s staff and has taken 18 months to negotiate.
Adrian Vinken, TRP’s Chief Executive said “Plymouth is experiencing a fantastic period of change and economic growth and it’s really important that all of our City’s communities benefit from that. Paying the Real Living Wage is one way to do that. For TRP it’s recognition of the value our staff create – without whom we could not do what we do, as well as we do it. As a flagship employer in Plymouth and a leader in the creative sector we believe it’s an important change to make – and one that we hope inspires other organisations”.
Following agreement from the Theatre’s Trustees to work towards becoming a Real
Living Wage employer, TRP worked with Bectu (Broadcasting, Entertainment,
Cinematography and Theatre Union) to negotiate new terms and conditions with
each team, and the final ballot took place at the end of July.
Debbie Clinton, TRP’s Head of HR said “We’re delighted to be a Real Living Wage employer – it has made, and will continue to make a real difference to a large proportion of our staff-members, and it makes TRP an even more attractive opportunity for people when we’re recruiting new staff”.
Plymouth City Councillor Chris Penberthy said “I would like to congratulate TRP for becoming a Real Living Wage employer; an achievement that will benefit their workforce. It is fantastic to see a high profile local employer with an international reputation making sure that their staff share in their success. Evidence shows that paying the Living Wage brings benefits to both businesses and their staff, I hope that other local firms will join Theatre Royal Plymouth by implementing the Real Living Wage.”