New living wage agreement with academy trust

UNISON has secured an agreement to implement the living wage in one of the country’s largest academy trusts.

From this month, Oasis Community Learning (OCL) will ensure that the lowest paid staff employed in its 43 schools across England receive a living wage of £7.65 per hour, or £8.80 for those working within Greater London boroughs. This will also include all staff working under outsourced contracts, such as catering, in OCL schools.

OLC have also committed to applying for living wage accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation.

UNISON’s national secretary for education and children’s services Jon Richards said: “This is fantastic news for staff working in Oasis Community Learning schools.

“More academy schools should follow the example of OCL in ensuring that school support staff are paid the living wage, which goes towards providing a basic standard of living.”

UNISON is also calling on all academy trusts to become fully accredited living wage employers.