01 May 2011
FTSE 100 companies must adopt Living Wage, say Methodists
A campaign to lobby FTSE 100 companies to adopt the Living Wage
has been backed by the Methodist Church and its Central Finance
Board.
The Living Wage is the minimum hourly wage necessary for an
individual to meet their basic needs, including shelter, clothing
and nutrition. Revd Alison Tomlin, President of the Methodist
Conference, will publicly endorse the launch of the FairPensions
campaign at Methodist Central Hall on May 2, with more than 2,000
people expected to attend.
Revd Tomlin said: "The Living Wage is about treating people with
dignity and respect; it is about recognising our value as
individuals, as human beings. It is absurd to pay people a wage
that will never allow them to meet their needs. The majority of
those living in poverty are in working households and this kind of
practice keeps people in poverty. FTSE 100 companies should lead
the way in bringing about fair wages for all who work."
The FairPensions campaign will be launched at a mass rally
organised by London Citizens at 2pm at Methodist Central Hall on
May 2. Churches, charities and institutional investors will join in
urging FTSE 100 companies, to become Living Wage employers. One of
the signatories is The Central Finance Board of the Methodist
Church, which manages funds on behalf of Methodism in Britain.
People will be encouraged to lobby FTSE 100 companies directly
online at www.activateyourmoney.org.
Bill Seddon, Chief Executive of the Central Finance Board said:
"With the Methodist Church supporting the Living Wage campaign, it
is entirely appropriate that the Central Finance Board signs these
letters to FTSE 100 companies. We look at the relationships
companies have with their employees, suppliers, and service
providers. That leads us to consider not only executive pay levels,
but also the lowest paid in a company. The Central Finance Board is
helping to put Methodist Church policy into practice by encouraging
companies from its position as a socially responsible investor."