At last night’s ceremony (6 July), the West Brom was recognised for holding the highest standards of employment practices and going above and beyond the basics of their Living Wage accreditation, which extends to contractors that work onsite.

Sophie Pazzaglia, the West Brom’s Chief People Officer, commented: “It’s fantastic to be recognised for our efforts in such an important area. Our people are our greatest asset so we strive to deliver positive change for them day in, day out.

“As well as signing up to the Living Wage in 2020 and becoming the first Living Hours employer in the sector in 2022, we’ve put time and effort into creating a safe, fair and inclusive workplace that positively benefits our people and our communities. This has included providing a one-off cost of living payment to eligible colleagues last year, offering a range of benefits to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and much more.”

Katherine Chapman, Living Wage Foundation Director, said: "Given the challenges of the past three years, the record increase in Living Wage Employers is truly remarkable. The Living Wage movement has never been stronger, and in the current cost of living crisis, it has never mattered more. Nearly 13,000 Living Wage Employers have recognised this and signed up to ensure that everyone who works for them, including third party contractors like cleaners and security guards, earns a wage that meets everyday needs. Tonight, we are celebrating the outstanding leadership these employers have shown in providing stability and security in their industries, communities, and wider society. They are leading the way in building a better and more equal world, and I warmly congratulate West Brom on their well-deserved award."