Axminster Tools & Machinery are on the shortlist for the Living Wage Champion Awards 2016, compiled by the Living Wage Foundation.

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The awards recognise Living Wage employers that have made great contributions to communities and industries by implementing and celebrating the Living Wage. The Living Wage Foundation offers a recognition mark for employers that commit to paying the Living Wage. There are now over 2,700 accredited employers.

The Living Wage is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually. The Living Wage is calculated according to the basic cost of living using the ‘Minimum Income Standard’ for the UK. Decisions about what to include in this standard are set by the public; it is a social consensus about what people need to make ends meet.

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HR Director, Jane Boulton said “Our Shareholders and Board strive to be a quality employer. Just because we live in a rural area, does not mean that people cannot earn their market value. As a company we want to attract the best talent possible to support us in our growth. If your staff feel valued, then they will work harder and become more engaged in the company, increasing productivity and sales. It all makes good business sense.”

Employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis. The Living Wage enjoys cross party support.

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Living Wage Foundation Director, Katherine Chapman said “I would like to offer huge congratulations to Axminster Tools & Machinery on being shortlisted for the Living Wage Champion Awards. The commitment of Living Wage employers like Axminster to responsible pay makes a life changing difference to families and communities across the UK. We look forward to celebrating this even more when announcing the winners of the regional awards during Living Wage Week which will begin on October 31st.”

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The award winners will be announced during Living Wage Week, with one winner announced for each region of the UK: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, the East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, North East England, North West England, South East England, South West England and London.

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The awards are judged by an independent panel of community leaders from Citizens UK, a national community-organising charity and home of the Living Wage campaign.

A full list of organisations shortlisted is now on the Living Wage website.