Bath Preservation Trust becomes ‘Real Living Wage’ employer, leading the way in heritage sector pay in Bath

Bath Preservation Trust is proud to announce its official accreditation as a Living Wage Employer, reinforcing its commitment to fair pay and corporate social responsibility in the heritage sector.

BPT has been paying above the statutory minimum wage since 2021 but its Board of Trustees voted unanimously to formalise this by securing the Living Wage Foundation accreditation. This milestone ensures that every employee and third-party contractor working for BPT now receives at least £12.60 per hour – 3% above the government's minimum wage of £12.21 for those aged over 21.

In the South West, where 15.7% of jobs still pay less than the Real Living Wage, this move places Bath Preservation Trust among a progressive group of employers prioritising the wellbeing and financial security of their staff.

Alex Sherman, CEO of Bath Preservation Trust, said: “We are delighted to join the Living Wage movement. This decision is about valuing our staff and ensuring that everyone – from our museum assistants to our curators – earns enough to meet the real cost of living. It is a crucial step in creating a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We believe this commitment makes us one of the most competitive and fair employers in Bath and the wider region.”

Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation said: “We are delighted that Bath Preservation Trust has joined the movement of over 16,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.

“They join thousands of small businesses, as well as household names such as Burberry, Barclays, Everton Football Club and many more. These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and they, like Bath Preservation Trust, believe that everyone needs to be able to live with dignity and have a decent standard of living."

The Living Wage Foundation’s real Living Wage remains the only UK wage rate independently calculated based on the cost of living, rising annually based on living costs. It gives employers the confidence they are paying a wage that meets everyday needs, not just the government minimum. Over 16,000 accredited employers have secured over £3.6 billion of pay rises for low paid workers since 2011 and made a profound difference to millions of lives around the UK.

By joining the Real Living Wage movement, Bath Preservation Trust is making a meaningful, lasting difference for its employees – and setting a strong example within the heritage and charity sectors in Bath and beyond.