Ogilvy & Mather Group UK has announced that it will become a living wage employer in a landmark move sealing it as the first global marketing communications company to be accredited with the title.
The firm has now signed up to pay a wage, set by the Living Wage Foundation, which sits substantially higher than the minimum rate set by UK law.
This agreement will now see the firm pay at least £7.65, with the exception of Londoners who will receive £8.80; this sits substantially higher than the £6.50 rate set by the government for adults aged 21 and above.
Annette King, chief executive officer of Ogilvy & Mather Group UK, said: “We did a review at the end of last year where we found that the majority of our employees are paid well above the living wage but we identified a few gaps amongst our youth talent, in particular interns and work placements, which we have now addressed.
“We are keen to encourage a broad, diverse mix of people from all walks of life, to consider working in our industry and paying a ‘living wage’ is an important step towards this goal.”
King added: “We are proud to be the first UK marketing communications company to gain accreditation. It is a badge we will wear with pride.”
Rhys Moore, director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “The Living Wage is a robust calculation that reflects the real cost of living, rewarding a hard day’s work with a fair day’s pay.
“The best employers are voluntarily signing up now. I welcome the leadership shown by Ogilvy & Mather Group UK on this important issue.”
Over 900 UK employers have been accredited by the scheme - lifting an estimated 45,000 people out of poverty.
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