The Living Wage Campaign

Ed Miliband has written to England’s 20 Premier League football clubs calling on them to adopt a Living Wage for their low paid workers — as Brentford FC signed up to support the campaign.

Brentford’s Chief Executive Andy Mills commented on the club’s announcement:

“Brentford FC value the contribution our staff make to the club. Without them we could not run the Football Club and we take our responsibility to them seriously. We have also enjoyed a healthy relationship with our former sponsor the GMB union who are fighting for decent wages and conditions. We are pleased to offer our support to Ed Miliband’s Living Wage campaign to tackle poverty pay and we look forward to meeting with his team shortly to explore how Brentford FC can make a commitment and move towards becoming Living Wage employer.”

In his letter urging Premier League clubs to adopt the Living Wage for their employees, Ed Miliband wrote:

“Football clubs are an integral part of communities up and down the country and the actions they take can have a huge influence on millions of people. Premier League clubs can set an excellent example by agreeing to pay a Living Wage to your low paid workers.

“Whether collecting tickets on the turnstiles, serving food or merchandise or cleaning the ground in preparation for the next game, low paid workers are integral to the running of any club and their hard work deserves to be recognised.”

Former Sports Minister Richard Caborn also added his backing to Ed’s call for a Living Wage. Richard Caborn said:

“As a former Sports Minister and a football fan I know that the Premier League generates huge amounts of enjoyment and revenue in this country. The people that make that possible are not only the stars on high wages but the hard work of thousands of low paid workers. When so much is spent on players’ wages and their transfers, it is only right that these workers are paid a Living Wage.”