Theatres and cultural venues in Southwark are being praised for their efforts in helping employees overcome in-work poverty. The Southwark council is recognizing 12 creative businesses in the borough that have become London Living Wage employers in the past year.
One of these businesses is Theatre Peckham, a community theatre located on Havil Street. Lia Blomberg, a finance assistant at Theatre Peckham, shared her experience of struggling with low pay and unpaid work after graduation. She mentioned that the competitive nature of the theatre industry often leads to unpaid opportunities, making it unsustainable for many individuals.
However, since joining Theatre Peckham as a Living Wage employer, Blomberg expressed relief in being able to pay rent, cover bills, and even afford a holiday once in a while. She emphasized how being well taken care of financially has made her a better employee, bringing a sense of relaxation and stability into her work.
Apart from Theatre Peckham, other organizations such as Blue Elephant Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Tate Modern have also become Living Wage employers, contributing to the 390 accredited Living Wage employers in Southwark. This commitment to fair pay has benefited over 6,600 workers in the borough, particularly those in the arts and culture sector where wages tend to be low.
The London Living Wage recently increased to £13.85 an hour, providing a significant boost for low-paid workers compared to the national minimum wage. Cllr John Batteson, the cabinet member for climate emergency, jobs, and business, highlighted the importance of uplifting individuals out of in-work poverty while creating a fairer and more inclusive local economy.
Southwark council is supporting small businesses with fewer than 250 employees to become Living Wage employers by covering their sign-up fees. Businesses interested in joining the initiative can visit the council’s website or complete the Living Wage survey for a chance to win a voucher from a local catering company.
Overall, the efforts of theatres and cultural venues in Southwark to tackle in-work poverty are commendable, demonstrating a commitment to fair pay and economic inclusivity in the community. By supporting Living Wage initiatives, businesses can make a positive impact on the lives of their employees and contribute to a more equitable society.
