Faccenda Foods avoids paltry wages for workers

The decision would cost the firm an extra £125,000 this year, the poultry manufacturer confirmed.

The Living Wage Foundation (LWF) campaign, which manufacturing giant Nestlé​ has committed to in the UK, is pressing employers to pay not just Minimum Wage, but a wage reflecting realistic living costs.

Referring to today's commitment in relation to the Living Wage, Faccenda spokesman told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “We see this as an important first step …​

“… We are in this position because we have always for many years seen fair pay as an important component of our employee proposition. We are therefore following with interest the development of a Living Wage proposition.​

Living Wage​

“Over 70% of our workforce are already above this rate and this will increase above 80% this year (including guaranteed payments, i.e. shift or environmental allowance), and we have been in communication with the LWF about what pay components could be included in a Living Wage.”​

The pay decision would also enable Faccenda to remain “a destination employer in fresh food”​, he said. “It is also important for our attraction strategy for local employment, particularly in Telford where our advanced processing facility will be fully operational by early 2015.​

HR and communications director Andrew Brodie added: “Only 5% of employees at Faccenda are paid £7 per hour as a basic rate and the majority of these will have move on to higher rates in three to six months.”​

‘Highly skilled, motivated workforce’​

Md Andy Dawkins said: “Fair pay is fundamental to Faccenda Foods’ commitment to providing a great experience to our customers.  Only a highly skilled, motivated workforce that takes responsibility for the food they produce can provide the consumer with innovative, high quality fresh and convenience food every day.”​ 

The GMB trade union endorsed Faccenda’s move. “It’s great to see a major food manufacturing business taking this stance and it is one of the reasons we have had such a strong working relationship with Faccenda Foods for many years,”​ said union organiser Stuart Richards.

LWF claims a fair Living Wage would be £7.65 an hour outside of London or £8.80 in London. The National Minimum Wage is currently set at £6.31.

In an exclusive interview with FoodManufacture.co.uk in April, Dawkins detailed plans to invest millions in boosting its manufacturing capabilities and capacity at Telford​.

Faccenda employs 3,000 people and boasts a turnover of more than £400M.