Theatre Royal Plymouth commits to Real Living Wage

Theatre Royal Plymouth hastoday announced it is a Real Living Wage employer that means staff will nowearn a minimum of £9 an hour instead of the National Living Wage of £8.21.

The Real Living Wage is theonly rate based on the actual costs of living and is a voluntary benchmark foremployers that want to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, notjust the government minimum.

The uplift will effectaround 75% of the Theatre’s staff and has taken 18 months to negotiate.

AdrianVinken, TRP’s Chief Executive said “Plymouth is experiencing a fantasticperiod of change and economic growth and it’s really important that all of ourCity’s communities benefit from that. Paying the Real Living Wage is one way todo that. For TRP it’s recognition of the value our staff create – without whomwe could not do what we do, as well as we do it. As a flagship employer inPlymouth and a leader in the creative sector we believe it’s an importantchange to make – and one that we hope inspires other organisations”.

Following agreement from the Theatre’s Trustees to work towards becoming a RealLiving Wage employer, TRP worked with Bectu (Broadcasting, Entertainment,Cinematography and Theatre Union) to negotiate new terms and conditions witheach team, and the final ballot took place at the end of July.

Debbie Clinton, TRP’s Headof 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 ourstaff-members, and it makes TRP an even more attractive opportunity for peoplewhen we’re recruiting new staff”.

Plymouth CityCouncillor Chris Penberthy said “I would like to congratulate TRP forbecoming a Real Living Wage employer; an achievement that will benefit theirworkforce. It is fantastic to see a high profile local employer with aninternational reputation making sure that their staff share in their success.Evidence shows that paying the Living Wage brings benefits to both businessesand their staff, I hope that other local firms will join Theatre Royal Plymouthby implementing the Real Living Wage.”

For further information please visit Theatre Royal Plymouth's website