Despite swingeing Government cuts to Further Education funding for 18 to 19 year olds, following negotiation with UNISON Chichester College has just agreed to pay the Living Wage for all permanent directly employed staff. The College will also be working with its external contractors to encourage them to pay the Living Wage as well.
This is a welcome and important move for some of the lowest paid public service workers in West Sussex, and means that Chichester College join the University of Chichester as two of the more progressive and socially-conscious employers in the county. This position contrasts with that of West Sussex County Council who have recently ruled out paying the Living Wage for its employees. 17% of staff in West Sussex schools earn less than the Living Wage, and 11% of staff across the whole County Council earn less than the Living Wage.
Congratulations also go to Chichester College on achieving ‘Outstanding’ status across all categories following their recent OFSTED inspection. UNISON members at the College can feel rightly proud of the contribution they have made in helping the College to achieve this outcome.