Why Being a Real Living Wage Employer Matters to Us
- Jan 30
- 2 min read
Being a Real Living Wage employer is not about ticking a box for us. It is about doing the right thing.
At Seldram Supplies, we believe that everyone deserves to be paid fairly for the work they do. Paying the Real Living Wage helps our people feel valued, supported, and secure, and that confidence carries through into the service we provide to our customers every day.
What Is the Real Living Wage?
The Real Living Wage is an independently calculated pay rate that reflects the actual cost of living. It is based on what people need to afford everyday essentials such as housing, food, transport, and energy, rather than the minimum an employer is legally required to pay.
Unlike the government’s National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, which are set by policy and economic targets, the Real Living Wage is calculated by the Living Wage Foundation using data on real household costs. It is voluntary, but it is designed to represent a fairer baseline for pay.
Why It Matters More Than the Minimum Wage
The legal minimum wage sets a floor, but it does not always reflect the true cost of living, particularly in areas where housing and transport costs are high.
Paying the Real Living Wage helps:
Reduce financial stress for employees
Improve job satisfaction and morale
Support retention and long-term commitment
Create a more stable and motivated workforce
For us, it is not just about numbers on a payslip. It is about recognising the contribution people make and ensuring they can live with dignity and security.
A Natural Fit for a Family-Run Business
As a family-run business, respect, fairness, and long-term thinking sit at the heart of how we operate. Supporting the Real Living Wage aligns naturally with those values.
We see it as one small but meaningful way to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable local economy. When people are paid fairly, communities are stronger, businesses are more resilient, and everyone benefits.
Proud to Support Fair Pay in Oxfordshire
We are proud to stand alongside many other organisations across Oxfordshire that are committed to fair pay and positive change. Supporting the Real Living Wage reflects a shared belief that work should provide a decent standard of living, not just a minimum.
It is part of a wider commitment to doing business responsibly, supporting our people, and building long-term relationships based on trust and integrity.
Looking Ahead
Becoming a Real Living Wage employer is not a one-off decision. It is an ongoing commitment to fairness, respect, and doing the right thing as we grow.
We are proud of our team, grateful for the work they do, and committed to supporting them in a way that reflects our values.
