Waste management organisation Paper Round has been accredited as a living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation.
The organisation has committed to paying all of its UK-based staff the voluntary living wage, including direct employees and third-party contract staff.
Paper Round will pay its 145 employees at least £8.45 an hour across the UK, and a minimum of £9.75 an hour in London.
The organisation has implemented the voluntary living wage to guarantee fairness, and to ensure that all employees are paid according to the true cost of living.
The living wage, which is paid by employers on a voluntary basis, is an independently set, hourly rate of pay that is calculated to reflect the basic cost of living. It is updated on an annual basis.
It is distinct from the national living wage, which is the statutory rate for staff aged 25 and over. The national living wage currently stands at £7.50 an hour.
Bill Swan, managing director at Paper Round, said: “Paper Round has always had a very strong social and ethical side to our business. We have historically paid staff above the statutory minimum wage and we are delighted to formalise this and give a commitment to pay all our staff the living wage.
“We believe that this is not only the right thing to do, but will lead to better service for our clients. It will be easier to recruit and retain staff, giving us a passionate and loyal workforce committed to excellent customer service.”