Employers have a deadline of May 2026 to implement the Real Living Wage higher rates
Our boss is giving us pay rise ahead of May change – it’ll help us through Christmas
A boss is handing staff a pay boost months early – with workers saying the extra cash will help in the run-up to Christmas. Employers have a deadline of May 2026 to implement the Real Living Wage higher rates -under Labour Party government legislation.
But Eland Cables, a company supplying electrical cables to major infrastructure projects, has introduced the uplift immediately, months ahead of schedule.
Ben, 34, a father-of-two from Doncaster, is among the staff. He said: “I think it’s brilliant. Everyone deserves fair pay, so I really welcome the move to reward us much earlier than next year’s deadline. I know the people I work with will feel the difference.
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“The extra cash will help with general living expenses, and personally, with two young kids as we approach Christmas, it’s all welcome.
“Everything I do is for my kids’ future, but I’ve also been fundraising for a local hospice in Rotherham, you’ve got to remember there’s always someone worse off than you.”
Eland Cables’ executive director, JS Pelland, says the decision to implement the new Real Living Wage early is about fairness, loyalty, and long-term success.
He told the Mirror: “We’ve always believed in a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Our people drive quality and compliance. They’re fundamental to the promises we make to customers.
“Paying the Real Living Wage is central to our ESG and wellbeing strategy. Doing it early is simply the right thing to do.”
He adds: “When you treat people well, they stay. They’re more engaged, they take pride in what they do, and that means better results for everyone.”
Mr Pelland said: “When we became a Living Wage signatory in 2021, we made a management decision to bring all roles in-house.
“Everyone is on the same package of benefits, everyone is paid the Living Wage Plus. We don’t have contractors anymore, they’re all part of the team.”
Mr Pelland added: “People are more committed. They see the bigger picture and feel part of something. That builds consistency, quality, and trust, all essential in our line of work.”