West Brom Building Society has been recognised for its commitment to fair work as a Living Pensions Employer. As well as paying the real Living Wage, the Society offers Living Pensions to all its colleagues and speaks out about the importance of supporting colleagues’ financial wellbeing.

At the Living Wage Champion Awards, the West Brom was recognised for its leadership in committing to offer Living Pensions to all colleagues. The Living Pension is a voluntary savings target for employers, to help employees build up a pension pot that will provide enough income to meet basic everyday needs in retirement.

Living Pension employers commit to a voluntary savings level using either a cash (£3,150) or percentage (12%) target. The employer needs to contribute a minimum of 7%, or £1,840, depending on whether they use the cash or percentage target.

Sophie Pazzaglia, Chief People Officer and Group Secretary at the West Brom, said: “We’re delighted to receive the Living Pensions Champion Award and proud to be recognised for our commitment to supporting colleagues’ long-term financial wellbeing. As a mutual, helping people build financial security for the future is at the heart of what we do.

“Providing a Living Pension helps colleagues save confidently for retirement, build greater financial resilience for later life and supports our wider commitment to colleague wellbeing. We’re pleased that this commitment has been recognised and we remain focused on creating a workplace where colleagues are supported to plan for a secure future.”

Graham Griffiths, Director of the Living Wage Foundation said: “These awards are such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and passion that has gone into growing the Living Wage movement over the last 25 years, and I congratulate all of the winners on their outstanding achievement. With nearly 17,000 Living Wage Employers, almost 300 Living Hours Employers, and over 100 Living Pension Employers now accredited, together we are proving that it is possible to create work that works for everyone.

“With the vital help of committed advocates, our campaign has driven up standards of employment and transformed millions of people’s lives already, building a legacy that has changed the world of work for the better. I warmly congratulate the West Brom on their well-deserved award and thank them for their support for the Living Wage movement.”

The annual Living Wage Champion Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the Living Wage movement. The movement began 25 years ago in East London and has been recognised as one of the most successful civil society campaigns of the 21st century. The ceremony was held in London to mark this milestone year and the origins of the movement.