The Living Hours programme sets a new standard for employers and builds on the Society’s existing Living Wage accreditation, providing colleagues with the security and stability of hours they need to meet their everyday needs.

As an accredited employer, the West Brom has committed to:

• A minimum of 16 working hours each week (unless a colleague requests less for personal reasons);
• A contract that reflects accurate hours worked; and
• Providing at least 4 weeks’ notice for shifts, with guaranteed payment if shifts are cancelled within this period.

This commitment applies not only to directly employed colleagues, but also to third party contractors.

Sophie Pazzaglia, Divisional Director of HR at the West Brom, said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised as the first accredited Living Hours employer in the building society sector and the first employer in the West Midlands.

“As a large employer in the Midlands and beyond, we have a responsibility to ensure that people have at least a basic income and are working the hours they need to meet their needs.

“Not only does this reinforce our continued commitment to our people’s financial wellbeing in what is a difficult time for many, but also our belief as an organisation that it’s time to put an end to insecure working contracts with unpredictable hours.”

Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that the West Brom has joined the movement of responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to provide their workers with Living Hours – secure, guaranteed hours and notice of shift patterns - alongside the real Living Wage.

“The West Brom joins a growing list of businesses, including abrdn, Aviva and SSE, committing to Living Hours. They, like the West Brom, recognise that jobs with decent pay and secure hours are essential for a modern, dynamic economy that delivers stability to workers, families and businesses.”