Why Preston employers are backing the real living wage

What if one commitment could help your business attract great people, keep valued staff, strengthen your reputation and demonstrate that you stand for fair employment?

That commitment is real Living Wage accreditation. The real Living Wage is £13.45 per hour in 2026, independently calculated by the Living Wage Foundation to reflect the true cost of living and what people need for a decent standard of life.

Across the UK, more than 16,000 employers have chosen to go beyond the legal minimum and become accredited Living Wage Employers. They are part of a growing movement proving that fair pay is not only right, it’s good for business too.

In Preston, that momentum is building. The ‘Making Preston a Living Wage City’ campaign, driven by the city’s Living Wage Action Group, is helping more organisations put fair pay at the heart of how they work. There are now 54 accredited employers operating locally, 41 headquartered in Preston, supporting more than 4,000 workers with pay that keeps pace with rising living costs.

For Preston based organisations, getting started has never been easier. Preston City Council is offering grants to cover the fees associated with any of the three accreditations offered by the Living Wage Foundation: Living Wage, Living Hours and Living Pensions. The grants are available to eligible SMEs and third sector organisations based in Preston.

Living Wage accreditation makes business sense. It is a visible, trusted way to show that your organisation values its people. It can help you stand out to customers, funders and partners who want to support responsible employers.

It also supports your social impact and ESG commitments, demonstrating practical action on fair pay, staff wellbeing and inclusive growth.

The benefits can be felt inside the organisation too: stronger morale, improved recruitment, better retention and a more resilient workforce. For many employers, accreditation is a powerful signal that people are central to long-term success.

What employers say

• We enjoy 100 per cent retention – Caremark Preston
  ‘‘Our carers are the backbone of the company, and Living Wage accreditation helps us show how much we value them. By providing fair and decent pay, we’ve built a loyal, motivated team, enjoying 100 per cent retention and recording just one sick day among our 13 staff last year.’’
• Our team feels valued and supported – Ethical Pixels®
  ‘‘Living Wage accreditation reflects our commitment to fairness, transparency, and social responsibility. We know that financial security is essential for well-being, and paying a real Living Wage ensures our team feels valued and supported.’’
• High-quality output starts with taking care of people – Conlon Construction
  ‘‘The company is founded on strong values, with taking care of employees, suppliers and clients the priority both morally and from a solid business standpoint. Our staff are engaged in their work, which results in high-quality output.’’