EXCLUSIVE: Benefex gains living wage accreditation

Kathryn Kendall Benefex

EXCLUSIVE: Employee benefits provider Benefex has been accredited as a living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation.

The accreditation recognises the organisation’s commitment to paying all of its 160 employees, and third-party contractors, at least the living wage rate of £8.25 an hour.

The living wage is a voluntary rate calculated according to the cost of living in the UK. It is distinct from the government’s £7.20 an hour national living wage, which came into effect in April 2016 on a mandatory basis for staff aged 25 years old and over.

Kathryn Kendall (pictured), HR director at Benefex, said: “The success of our business is intrinsically linked to the 160 employees who work here. Without their drive, enthusiasm and passion, we wouldn’t have accomplished even a fraction of our achievements to date.

“It is only right that they are appropriately rewarded for what they deliver for our business, and we believe that by becoming a Living Wage Foundation accredited employer we have been able to make a very real and tangible difference to a large percentage of our employee body.”

Matt Macri-Waller, founder and chief executive officer at Benefex, added: “We are incredibly proud of this accreditation, particularly when considering the long-term positive impact on our employees. Implementing the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended rate of pay not only supports our core values and beliefs as an organisation, but it just makes good business sense.

“Since we founded the business, we have always wanted to really look after our people; the Living Wage Foundation accreditation just further supports this. Since its launch we have seen it drive engagement and productivity, all of which will ultimately benefit our clients.”