A SUPERMARKET based in the north west have just gained accreditation as a Living Wage Employer. 

Pioneer Foodstore, which has premises in Carlisle, will be contributing a minimum hourly rate stand at £10 per hour, a figure which is above the National Minimum Wage and Real Living Wage rate. 

The foodstore is standing up to the cost of living crisis in the North West, as nearly a fifth of all jobs in the region pay less than the Real Living Wage – equating to around 534,000 jobs. 

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HR Manager, Graham Smith said: "This is not only the right thing to do, it also recognises the value of all our people and their contribution and commitment to the business."

Managing director, Graham Jenkins, said: "We’re a family-owned business and our people are at the heart of everything we do.

"We’re proud to become a Living Wage Employer and join other businesses such as Newcastle Football Club, Nestlé, Story Contracting and The Cumberland Building Society."

Katherine Chapman, director, Living Wage Foundation said: "We’re delighted that Pioneer Foodservice has joined the movement of almost 9,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further that the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on."

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