Living Wage Employer Recognised
This month SWE was recognised as an accredited “Living Wage Employer” by Living Wage Movement Aotearoa NZ. 
It is important to note that we were already paying all staff above living wage – and wanted to be a part of an accredited process for validation and accountability.
“Our business philosophy is based on integrity, which for us means ‘doing the right thing’ by our staff, our clients, our community and our environment, so becoming an accredited Living Wage employer just made sense” explains Stephen.
The “living wage” describes the income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basics of life. In New Zealand this is set at $20.55 per hour – versus the adult minimum wage of $16.50 per hour. “It’s the amount that workers need to survive and participate in society,” Living Wage convener Annie Newman explains.
People should be able to afford their mortgage or rent and food without having to work more than 40 hours, we believe. In fact, every member of the SWE team is paid more than the living wage – and often considerably more than the going wage for similar work. It may cost the business more, but it means that SWE can attract and retain quality staff, and the business benefits as a result.
“And we don’t charge more just because we pay our people a living wage. We have qualified and experienced staff who are productive and engaged and give great service – and I believe our clients come back to us for that. Paying our people a living wage is just acknowledging the true cost of doing business, and we wouldn’t have it any other way”.
SWE are delighted to join around 90 other Living Wage employers in New Zealand – and is just the second business in Marlborough, joining Marlborough’s ‘Banjo Brews’ in the list of accredited companies.
UNICEF estimates around a quarter of all children in New Zealand were in households below the poverty line in 2017. SWE says they are “just trying to do our bit to help make a difference”.
Meet Jasmine
SWE Administration Assistant Jasmine Wilson recognises and appreciates SWE’s stance. “I know there are a lot of people out there struggling to make ends meet, and being paid low wages. I know people who have a lot of stress over rent, rates and power bills, or who have to work two jobs just to make ends meet. It’s great to work for a company that values its people and pays them accordingly”, Jasmine says.
Jasmine’s role at SWE is the first time she has ever been paid a living wage and she says it means “so much” to her. “It gives me so much more security and peace of mind. I can afford all my bills now, and daycare for my child. It makes me even more loyal, and I definitely go the extra mile too, because I know I am appreciated”.
Jasmine also became the fifth member of the SWE team to be sent (paid by the company, with assistance from the ‘Marlborough First Light Foundation’ and the ‘Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust’) on an Outward Bound course this month as part of their commitment to her professional development with the company.
