How Ealing made fair pay a driver of inclusive local growth

I was proud to see Ealing LBC receive the Living Wage Leader (Public Sector) award at the 2026 Living Wage Champion Awards. The award celebrates our work to champion the London Living Wage and support local employers to pay a wage that better reflects the cost of living in the capital. Winning national recognition represents the collective effort that has made fair pay a defining part of our borough's identity. It has made real improvements to the lives of hundreds of local people, giving them the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families.Nobody who works hard should struggle to make ends meet. At a time when many households continue to face financial pressures, paying a wage that better reflects the cost of living can make a genuine difference.At the end of the campaign period, the number of Living Wage-accredited employers more than doubled, reaching 155 organisations. We now have more Living Wage-accredited employers than any other local authority in west London, reinforcing our reputation as a borough that is serious about supporting decent living incomes. The award is the culmination of almost two years of dedicated work. Through a borough-wide campaign, we set out to raise awareness of the London Living Wage, support local employers through the accreditation process, and demonstrate the benefits that fair pay brings to businesses, employees, and communities alike. We wanted employers to understand that becoming Living Wage-accredited can lead to higher staff morale, improved retention, and a more motivated workforce.What made this campaign particularly successful was our collaborative approach, and translating awareness into real action. We used targeted digital communications to reach businesses across the borough, we organised business engagement events to explain the benefits of accreditation, and we provided practical support for employers interested in becoming accredited Living Wage employers. We also showcased local businesses already leading the way, sharing the stories of a range of accredited employers and the positive impact fair pay has had on their organisations.The council developed a generous incentives package which included support with recruitment, business planning, and staff training, their first year of accreditation fees covered, a dedicated ‘Business Buddy' from the council, and much more. This ensured businesses were fully supported through their accreditation journey and beyond. At the end of the campaign period, the number of Living Wage-accredited employers more than doubled, reaching 155 organisations. We now have more Living Wage-accredited employers than any other local authority in west London, reinforcing our reputation as a borough that is serious about supporting decent living incomes. Most importantly, the campaign has made a tangible difference to local people. At the end of the campaign period, almost 1,000 workers in Ealing received a pay rise after their employers became accredited, while nearly 16,000 workers across the borough now benefit from fair pay. Behind every one of those numbers is a person or family who is better able to meet everyday costs, support their household, and enjoy greater financial security. By encouraging employers to invest in their workforce, we are helping to build an economy that works better for everyone. This achievement belongs to everyone who contributed to the campaign: our brilliant council officers, committed local businesses, our Living Wage Action Group, and all the partners who shared our commitment for the movement. Their hard work and leadership have been instrumental in making the borough a place where good employers are supported and workers are valued.The award demonstrates what can be achieved when the council works in collaboration to create growth that is fair, inclusive, and benefits everyone. As we deliver the new council plan in the years ahead, we will continue building on this success to ensure more residents have access to secure, well-paid work, and the opportunity to thrive. Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal is Ealing LBC's cabinet member for decent living incomes

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INCLUSIVE GROWTH

How Ealing made fair pay a driver of inclusive local growth

By Cllr Kamaljit Nagpal | 30 July 2026

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