It’s no secret that the rising cost of living is having an effect on everyone, not least the exorbitant rise in energy and fuel costs.  The knock-on effect is, of course, that wages have to go further.

Reacting to this Hatcher Ltd have joined the Living Wage Foundation, ensuring their employees have the best possible chance of meeting the cost of living.

The Government introduced a higher minimum wage for over 25’s, inspired by the Living Wage, and even called it the “National Living Wage”.  This was not, however, calculated based on the needs of the employee or what they or their families needed to live.  It is instead based on a target to reach 66% of average earnings by 2024.  Rather than taking the needs of the employee into account it was based on what was affordable for businesses.

The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate that is voluntarily paid by over 10,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets everyday needs – such as weekly shop, or an unexpected trip to the dentist.

Having developed and introduced pioneering fuel saving technology to the commercial vehicle sector, Hatcher have been saving Fleet Managers and owner-drivers money since 1968.  Recognising that costs are now escalating closer to home, Scott Parish, Operations Manager for Hatcher said “Hatcher have joined the Living Wage Foundation, so that we can pledge our support and commitment to ensuring our employees earn a wage that meets the costs of living, not just the government minimum.”

Hatcher currently employs over 60 people, and have recently expanded their manufacturing capabilities with a new state-of-the-art production line.  With demand increasing, the workforce needs to expand and Hatcher are always on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join their team.  Scott went on to say “In addition to ensuring our starting rates exceed the UK National Living Wage, we want to see our team members progressing and gaining confidence in multiple disciplines. There are plenty of opportunities for progression with our organisation, and we provide the support and training to make sure everyone can succeed.”