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Issue 102 Special Edition |
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Welcome to our Business Update Issue 102. This special edition marks Living Wage Week (10-16 November), which is an annual celebration of the Living Wage movement. This year the theme is 'the difference it makes' as we know the real Living Wage, Living Hours and a Living Pension transforms employment and transforms lives. |
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| What is the Real Living Wage?
The London Living Wage is a voluntary wage rate calculated annually by the Living Wage Foundation based on the real cost of living in the capital. Unlike the government’s National Living Wage, it reflects what people need to earn to meet everyday expenses. It is voluntarily paid by over 16,000 UK businesses that have chosen to go beyond the legal minimum, helping to transform millions of lives and set a higher standard for what decent work looks like across the UK. |
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Newham Is Leading the Way on Fair Pay
Since becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer in 2021, the Council has actively championed community wealth building by helping nearly 100 local businesses achieve Living Wage accreditation and also through the Royal Docks Living Wage Place Action Group. The Royal Docks was among the UK’s first designated Living Wage Places, with major employers including London City Airport, Tate & Lyle, and the University of East London leading the commitment to fair pay.
Paying the London Living Wage is tackling in-work poverty, supporting families, and boosting local prosperity. Employers report higher staff morale, better retention and a stronger reputation, while employees benefit from greater financial stability and wellbeing.
Newham is proud to champion fair pay and dignity at work, and we’re encouraging more local employers to join the movement and make Newham a Fair Pay borough.
If your organisation pays the London Living Wage, we’d love to feature your story throughout the week.
To share your experience: |
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The 2025-26 London Living Wage rate has been announced as £14.80 in London |
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How to Get Accredited as a Living Wage Employer?
Becoming a Living Wage Employer is very straightforward depending on the size of the organisation. The accreditation process requires a Licence Agreement to be signed between the employer and the Living Wage Foundation.
To learn more: |
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#LivingWageWeek #TheDifferenceItMakes |
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We’re proud to shine a light on the Newham businesses that are going further for their staff by paying the London Living Wage. |
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#LivingWageWeek #TheDifferenceItMakes |
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#LivingWageWeek #TheDifferenceItMakes |
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Help Shape Newham’s Future at Our Stakeholder Budget Engagement Session Wednesday 19 November – 10.30am-12pm Online
We have launched a series of resident events to discuss and share views on Council finances and proposed savings options and of them is targeted at Newham businesses. Have your say as we develop our next budget. Feedback will inform the final decisions we make as we leave no stone unturned in setting a balanced, fair and sustainable budget for the borough.
Like every Council across the country, Newham is grappling with rising demand for essential services, particularly adult social care and temporary accommodation, at a time when our income simply isn’t keeping pace. Unless we act, we face an annual shortfall of £90 million by 2028/29, with £53 million of that linked directly to the soaring cost of temporary accommodation.
That’s why ware examining every option put forward by Council officers – finding efficiencies, identifying ways to raise income, and making sure that every pound we spend delivers the greatest benefit for residents. Please come along and have your say to help shape Newham's future.
Watch Newham's Mayor explain how you can shape our borough's future here.
Read more about our approach here.
Sign up for our business-focused session below: |
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Newham Civic Awards 2025: Nominations Close This Sunday!
Now is the time to recognise the incredible individuals, entrepreneurs, groups and organisations who are helping to make Newham a fairer, more inclusive borough.
With 10 inspiring categories, including Outstanding Contribution, Community Wealth Builder, Youth Excellence, and Green Champion, this is your chance to shine a light on those who go above and beyond.
Nominate by 23:59 – Sunday 16 November.
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Support Needed for International Volunteers Day: Thursday 5 December
The Council’s Volunteering Team is inviting sponsorships or donations to help celebrate the invaluable contributions of local volunteer heroes at a special event at Newham Dockside. Your support will help: - Recognise and reward all our volunteers
- Provide refreshments and tokens of appreciation
- Create an inclusive and uplifting atmosphere
Confirmed contributions so far include: - Sweet treats from Signorelli Bakers
- Charlton Athletic FC tickets from 3P3
- Balloon arch by a colleague volunteer
- Signed Thomas Souček t-shirt from West Ham FC
It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible spirit of our volunteers, while also shining a light on your organisation’s commitment to social value and making a positive difference in the community.
We’d love to explore how your support could make a meaningful impact. If you're interested in contributing, please: |
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Avoid Lease Traps & Business Rate Surprises Tuesday 25 November – 10-11:30am Online
Join this free webinar by the London Business Partnership to avoid costly commercial property mistakes. Before signing a commercial lease, understand key lease terms and business rates implications, learn how to challenge valuations and access reliefs, and get access to tailored advice from property specialists.
For more information: |
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Copyright © 2023 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
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Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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