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St Jude’s pub first in Bristol to achieve Living Wage accreditation
The owner of a pub in St Jude’s says that “serious systematic change is needed” if more hospitality businesses are to follow their lead and achieve Living Wage accreditation.
The Volunteer Tavern is the first pub in Bristol to become a Living Wage employer.
As soon as the Volly turned a profit, landlord Pete Gibbs looked to provide the Living Wage for his staff.
is needed now More than ever
“I want us to be at the forefront of social change where possible and I want others to do the same,” Pete told Bristol 24/7.
In February, the total number of businesses in the UK that are Living Wage employers surpassed 5,000. There are just under 100 businesses in Bristol currently accredited and paying at least the minimum £9 per hour.
Brewdog, which has a bar on Baldwin Street in the city centre, became a Living Wage employee in 2014.
“There are currently 38,000 people who are paid less than the Living Wage in Bristol, a figure which is increasing,” explained Living Wage Foundation programme manager Jessica Goble.
“We welcome the commitment of the Volunteer Tavern, and hope their leadership will encourage more restaurants and pubs to become accredited Living Wage employers and pay their staff a wage on which they can live.”
Alfie, a staff member at the Volly who benefited from the pay increase, said: “It’s a safety net for a student. I can enjoy things more, it’s more enjoyable coming to wore and I have a stronger urge to work because I’m being paid more. I want to pull my weight a lot more.”
Pete added: “I’m proud to be an ambassador for Bristol, and I want to shape it. But more serious systematic change is needed.”
Read more: Legendary Bristol pub to reopen
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