Living Wage

The Living Wage is an hourly wage rate calculate to take into consideration the costs of housing, transport, food and basic essentials for the worker and their family.

The Living Wage is an hourly wage rate calculate to take into consideration the costs of housing, transport, food and basic essentials for the worker and their family.

In November 2012 the Catholic Bishops’ Conference passed a resolution which fully endorses the principle of the Living Wage and encourages Catholic organisations and charities in England and Wales to work towards its implementation.

Their resolution recognised that fair wages are essential to the Common Good of our society and are part of the Church’s mission to support the poor and vulnerable.

This resolution follows over 100 years of support from the Popes on the importance of a just wage, found within a collection of Papal Encyclicals or letters, more commonly known as Catholic Social Teaching.

Living Wage Encyclicals

A Papal Encyclical is a circular letter which is written by a Pope to an audience of bishops and is intended to guide them in their ministry. Here you will find the Encyclicals with a focus on Social Teaching.

Becoming a Living Wage Employer

Becoming a Living Wage employer is a staged process, which can be completed over a period of time.