Newcastle United praised for ‘making huge difference’ as Living Wage Employer

Praise has come flooding in as Newcastle United confirm an application has been made to the Living Wage Foundation to become a Living Wage Employer.

The scheme independently calculates a minimum rate of pay in line with the cost of living, known as the 'real Living Wage'.

The benchmark is set for employers to ensure their staff earn a fair wage.

Newcastle United has voluntarily applied to the Foundation and, as a result, all employees at the club will receive a minimum hourly rate of £9.90 per hour.

That is a higher rate than the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.

A statement from Newcastle United read: "We recognise that our people, including staff – the majority of whom live in our local community – and our fans, are at the heart of everything we do.

"We appreciate the contribution of all employees and acknowledge that the everyday operations of the club, including matchdays, could not happen without their hard work and dedication.

"Newcastle United is fully committed to supporting them, including through wages that reflect their value and meet the everyday needs of individuals and their families – not just the government minimum."

The announcement comes four months after the club was taken over by The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners in a £300 million deal.

Speaking on the National Living Wage, Newcastle United co-owner, Amanda Staveley, said: "This is an important part of our people strategy as we work together to deliver our new vision."

MP for Newcastle-upon-Tyne Central Chi Onwurah also welcomed the news.

She wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations great news.

"As the #CostOfLivingCrisis bites we need to make sure that everyone has enough to live on, & #NUFC leading the way will encourage other employers in our city.

"This #transfernews can make a huge difference, transferring decent wages to working people."

Other users on Twitter also shared messages of support to the club.

One user wrote: "A fantastic commitment to the club and its employees that you'd have never seen under the previous regime.

"If successful with their application, #NUFC will be only the 7th #EPL club certified by the Living Wage Foundation."

Another said: "Excellent news. This was put on the agenda by fans many times over the last decade. Finally, we have a club that acts.

"Let’s hope it inspires other businesses and organisations to do the same. Congratulations @NUFC."