Manchester Cathedral has become one of the first Church of England cathedrals to become an accredited Living Wage Employer. The Living Wage is an hourly rate set independently and updated annually, based on the cost of living in the UK. The Living Wage campaign has been running for ten years and has lifted over 45,000 people out of poverty. An independent study of the business benefits of implementing a Living Wage policy in London found that more than 80% of employers believe that the Living Wage had enhanced the quality of the work of their staff, while absenteeism had fallen by approximately 25%. 66% of employers reported a significant impact on recruitment and retention within their organisation. 70% of employers felt that the Living Wage had increased awareness of their organisation’s commitment to being an ethical employer. Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester, said “Manchester Cathedral is delighted to become an accredited Living Wage Employer. Paying the Living Wage is morally right and proper and I would encourage all employers to do the same”. Rhys Moore, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said “The benefits that the Living Wage brings to staff and business are clear. I welcome the leadership shown by Manchester Cathedral on this important issue.” To find out more about becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer visit www.livingwage.org.uk.