Join North East leaders at Sheepfolds Stables to celebrate 25 years of the Living Wage, help us shape the next 25 and build a fairer region.

This Living Wage Week, join leaders from business, the public sector and civil society at Sheepfolds Stables, Sunderland, as we celebrate 25 years of the Living Wage movement and look ahead to what comes next for fair pay and good work.

Since the campaign began, the Living Wage movement has grown to more than 16,000 accredited employers across the UK. Together, they employ more than 4 million people, and the movement has delivered more than £4 billion in additional pay to low-paid workers.

That national impact shows what can happen when employers, workers and communities come together around the simple idea that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.

The North East has been part of that story for almost 14 years and the movement here continues to grow with over 400 accredited Living Wage Employers across the North East and Tees Valley. Living Wage Employers across the region employ around 86,000 people, with an estimated 11,000 of the lowest-paid workers receiving a pay uplift.

There is real momentum, but there is also more to do. Growing the Living Wage movement means more money in workers’ pockets, more spending in local economies and benefits for employers through stronger recruitment, retention, motivation and productivity.

Twenty-five years after the campaign began, this event is a chance to celebrate progress and ask what the next 25 years could look like for the North East.

We will celebrate the renewal of Sunderland’s recognition as a Living Wage City and its new three-year action plan, hear from the Newcastle Living Wage Action Group, and showcase action and ambition from across the wider region, including our partnership with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority's flagship SHINE good work programme.

Alongside speakers and stories from across the region, there will also be a Living Wage-inspired dance performance from Sunderland-based Southpaw Dance. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet other employers and regional leaders, take part in practical workshops, and explore what your organisation can do next.

Whether you are already a Living Wage Employer, considering accreditation, or simply want to help build a North East with fair pay, good work and real opportunity, we would love you to join us.

What to expect

The morning will combine celebration, learning and practical action.

Meet and network with organisations commited to building a better region

Hear from John McCabe (CEO of North East Chamber of Commerce), the NE Mayoral Strategic Authority, local employers and other regional leaders about the benefits and challenges of creating good work

Hear what the Living Wage is achieving for workers, employers and the wider economy

Celebrate Sunderland’s renewed Living Wage City recognition and hear from the Newcastle Living Wage Action Group and partners from across the North East

Explore how fair pay connects with the North East’s wider ambitions for inclusive growth and opportunity

Take part in practical workshops, including a session led by the SHINE good work programme

Find out more about Living Wage accreditation, Living Hours and Living Pension and recognise recently accredited employers

Further speakers and workshop details will be announced ahead of the event.

Why now?

The North East Living Wage movement is growing, but there is still substantial potential to reach more employers and workers.

Research underpinning the Living Wage Foundation’s economic impact model shows that when low-paid workers receive a pay rise, some of that additional income is spent locally. This supports businesses and creates a wider multiplier effect across the local economy.

Employers also report benefits from paying the Living Wage, including improved motivation, commitment and workplace relations.

As the North East develops its ambitions around good work, economic growth and reducing poverty, the Living Wage offers a practical way for employers and regional partners to turn those ambitions into action.

The next chapter is about building on the progress already made and making fair pay a defining feature of the North East economy.

Who is this event for?

This event is for people with a role in shaping workplaces and the North East economy.

That includes business owners and senior leaders, HR and People teams, public sector organisations, local authorities, charities and social enterprises, anchor institutions, commissioners and procurement professionals, trade unions and community organisations.

You do not need to be an accredited Living Wage Employer to attend. If your organisation is interested in fair pay, good work or becoming accredited, this is a good opportunity to find out more and talk directly to others already on the journey.

Workshops

There will be two opportunities during the morning to take part in practical workshops, allowing you to choose the con

Description supplied by the event organiser.