Why the Real Living Wage Matters in Facilities Management

In our industry, the work is constant, essential, and often invisible. Cleaning teams arrive before the first commuter, facilities staff stay late after the last meeting, and the spaces we all rely on - offices, hospitals, transport hubs, schools - stay safe, functional, and welcoming because of them.

Yet for too long, the people behind these services have been undervalued and underpaid. That’s why, at Workplace, we’re proud to be a recognised service provider with the Living Wage Foundation. We believe that fair pay is the foundation of respect, and we’re committed to making it the norm, not the exception.

What is the Real Living Wage?

The Real Living Wage is independently calculated each year to reflect the actual cost of living in the UK. It’s higher than the government’s National Living Wage, because it’s based on what people need to afford essentials like rent, food, transport, and energy.

As of October 2025, the rates are:

• £13.45 per hour across the UK

• £14.80 per hour in London

That’s a meaningful difference. A full-time worker in London on the Real Living Wage earns £5,050 more per year than someone on the legal minimum. You can read more about the latest update on the Living Wage Foundation website.

Why It Matters to Us

We operate in the cleaning and facilities management sector, where margins are tight and contracts are competitive. But we’ve never seen fair pay as optional. It’s central to how we do business.

Martin Wells, our COO, puts it plainly:

“Paying the Real Living Wage is a business decision rooted in respect. It’s about recognising the skill, reliability, and care our teams bring to every site. It’s also about retention, morale, and doing the right thing.”

When we joined the Living Wage movement, we weren’t just ticking a box. We were making a commitment to our people and to the wider industry. We wanted to show that it’s possible to run a successful, sustainable business while prioritising the well-being of those who make it all work.

The Impact on Our Teams

The difference is tangible. We’ve seen stronger staff engagement, lower turnover, and a deeper sense of trust across our contracts. Clients notice it too - cleaners who feel valued deliver better service, and that ripple effect benefits everyone.

Kamil Cieszewski, one of our Contract Managers in London, sees it every day:

“When I tell new starters they’ll be paid the Real Living Wage, their reaction is always the same - relief and gratitude. It changes how they see the job. They feel respected from day one.”

Kamil’s team manages multiple high-footfall sites in central London. He’s seen firsthand how fair pay leads to better attendance, stronger team cohesion, and fewer recruitment challenges. It’s not just about money - it’s about dignity.

Beyond the Paycheck

The Real Living Wage is one part of a bigger picture. We also support guaranteed hours, transparent shift patterns, and access to training and development. These aren’t perks - they’re the foundation of a sustainable workforce.

We know that many service workers juggle multiple jobs, care responsibilities, and unpredictable schedules. By offering stability and clarity, we help people plan their lives, not just their shifts.

A Sector-Wide Challenge

Cleaning and facilities management are often outsourced, which can lead to a race to the bottom on costs. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The Living Wage Foundation now accredits over 16,000 employers, including IKEA, Aviva, and Everton FC. That’s half a million workers who benefit from fair pay - and the movement is growing.

We want to see more service providers join us. We want clients to ask for it in their tenders. We want frontline workers to know they deserve it.

Looking Ahead

We know the challenges facing our industry-rising costs, increasing demand, and the pressure to deliver more with less. But we also know that investing in people is the smartest long-term strategy. Fair pay isn’t just good ethics - it’s good business.

To our clients, partners, and peers: let’s raise the standard together. Let’s build a sector where everyone is seen, heard, and paid fairly.

And to our teams - thank you. You are the heartbeat of Workplace, and we’re proud to stand with you.