COLCHESTER Council has been officially recognised as a living wage employer.

The accreditation has been awarded to the council by the Living Wage Foundation and is a commitment to pay staff a rate of pay higher than the national minimum wage.

The council has paid the living wage – currently £8.25 per hour – since 2013.

As part of being given the award, the council must now implement a phased plan for third party staff to be paid the same amount as the contracts come up for renewal.

Portfolio holder for resources Mark Cory said: “I am proud Colchester Council has been accredited as a living wage employer.

“By paying the living wage to our employees and requiring our contractors to do the same, we are improving pay conditions across the whole borough.

“Ordinary people are getting better pay and a better deal.”