The Real Living Wage in the Private Sector

Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 1:57 pm on 28 November 2018.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 1:57, 28 November 2018

It is a fact that more equal countries are happier countries and more contented countries, and, within the workplace, where people are well paid, it's proven that productivity levels are higher. Now, I'm keen to look at the work of the Fair Work Commission, particularly in regard to the economic contract that is now in place. I am looking keenly at the work of the Fair Work Commission because it's my hope that they will recognise that, alongside the incorporation of the real living wage, there is also a role for businesses to deal with the gender pay gap in order to drive a greater degree of equality within the workplace. So, I'll be looking at the work of the Fair Work Commission with a view to implementing their recommendations through the economic contract. But I'm also keen to make sure that the code of practice that I mentioned in my answer is taken up by as many employees as possible, and the recommendations within that code of practice are executed by as many employers as possible, and that includes the utilisation of the living wage.