A GROWING number of businesses have signed up to the local living wage.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust. Active Cheshire and Cheshire West Citizens Advice Bureau are amongst several companies who have committed to supporting the local economy.

CWAC launched the voluntary local living wage charter to make west Cheshire a living wage borough and encouraged employers to pay their staffed aged 18 or over a minimum of £8.45 per hour.

Cllr Paul Donovan, cabinet member for Democracy and Workforce, said: “We are really encouraged that interest in the local living wage is gaining momentum.

“More and more working adults are facing poverty with the increase in housing, food and fuel prices.

“Despite Cheshire’s affluent image, almost 20 per cent of households within the Cheshire West and Chester borough have an annual income of £15,000 or less.

“Our ambition is to make west Cheshire a local living wage borough where all residents are well educated, skill and earn a decent living.”

Employers that take part in the scheme report lower absenteeism, lower staff turnover, higher productivity and greater motivation and morale.

Those than sign up to the charter can also receive business support from the council’s business growth team in staff training and apprenticeship opportunities.

For more information visit cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/LLW or to sign up email locallivingwage@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.