The announcement by retailer Lidl that it is to become a Living Wage employer in Ireland was welcomed by the Tanaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton and Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash today.
 
Lidl has announced that it will become a Living Wage employer on the 1st of November.
 
A living wage is an independently assessed and measured rate of income considered necessary to meet basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, transport and healthcare. The Living Wage Technical Group in Ireland has calculated that the hourly Living Wage rate is €11.50. 
 
Managing Director of Lidl Ireland, John Paul Scally said, "We are delighted to be the first major nationwide employer to commit to paying the Living Wage in Ireland. 80% of our employees earn in excess of the living wage already.

"However it is important for us to ensure that for those whose hourly pay falls below €11.50 would benefit from an increase. This would bring them to a level that is more reflective of enjoying a better standard of living."

Tanaiste Burton added, "I congratulate Lidl on its commitment to introduce the Living Wage to all its staff.  While I understand that the vast majority of Lidl workers currently earn in excess of the Living Wage, it is, nonetheless, an important statement of intent from a large employer to voluntarily commit to it. 

"As the recovery is taking hold, and as we see 1,300 jobs being created weekly, it is our hope that improving economic fortunes will enable more employers to follow Lidl’s lead and commit to the Living Wage." 
 
Source: www.businessworld.ie