London Heathrow Airport receives Living Wage accreditation

As Living Wage week begins, Heathrow has reached another milestone in its sustainability strategy, Heathrow 2.0. Heathrow has been unveiled by the Living Wage Foundation as a fully accredited Living Wage Employer and the first airport to be accredited in Britain. This recognition will see the UK’s largest airport ensure 3,200 airport workers are being paid the living wage by the end of 2020. This is part of Heathrow’s vision to make the local area a great place to live and work, a significant milestone in the airport’s long term plan for sustainable growth that will deliver even better value and experience for our passengers.

Under the accreditation, Heathrow colleagues will receive the revised London Living Wage following an increase in voluntary Living Wage rates. Colleagues working at Heathrow’s Support Centre in Glasgow will also receive a boost via the UK Living Wage. The accreditation will mean direct colleagues in Heathrow’s supply chain will also transition to the Living Wage, helping to attract and retain talent to the airport.

Demonstrating the serious approach Heathrow takes in being a responsible employer and one of choice for local communities, the airport will exceed the conditions required for accreditation. This includes by leading the way on phasing out zero hours contracts and demonstrating leadership with other businesses based at the airport by encouraging them to take a similar stance.

In addition to the accreditation requirements, Heathrow has further committed to:

• Requiring all companies bidding for Heathrow commercial and supply chain contracts to disclose if they are Living Wage accredited as part of any tender process
• Use London Living Wage accreditation as a factor in determining which new retailers are allocated a concession at the airport

Heathrow Chief Executive Officer John Holland-Kaye said:

“Heathrow’s status as a world-class airport is down to the quality and expertise of our colleagues. We firmly believe that paying the Living Wage is the right thing to do as a responsible employer. It will help us to attract and retain the best people, supporting them in building a rewarding career at Heathrow.

“We are proud to be accredited by the Living Wage Foundation and are committed to going further to support responsible employment practices throughout our supply chain.

“This accreditation is another step in delivering our ambitious sustainability strategy, Heathrow 2.0, and a significant milestone for realising our vision for Heathrow to be a great place to live and work.”