Oxford Bus Company has been accredited as an Oxford Living Wage Employer by Oxford City Council for the third year running.
It was one of the founding local employers who committed to the initiative when it was launched in 2019.
The Oxford Living Wage is a minimum hourly rate of pay set annually and is linked to the Living Wage Foundation’s Real Living Wage.
The Living Wage Foundation sets two rates, one for London and one for the rest of the country.
Oxford City Council has set the rate at 95 per cent of the London Living Wage as Oxford is one of the most expensive cities in the country.
The current rate is £10.31 an hour.
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Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company managing director, said: “As a responsible employer operating in a city that is expensive to live in, we believe it is important to ensure we reward our colleagues properly. It also helps us attract local people to the company, which reduces commuting times for many people.
“By paying the Oxford Living Wage it means colleagues can earn a decent living without having to work really long hours.”
Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “This commitment is even more impressive given the challenges public transport providers face as they strive to recover after the financial impacts of the pandemic.
“The Oxford Living Wage is a key plank of our commitment to creating a more inclusive economy in Oxford as set out in the Oxford Economic Strategy, which aims to ensure all residents can benefit from a thriving economy."
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