At the launch of the Making Norwich a Living Wage City campaign in October, Broadland employee Jesse Manning (below, left) spoke powerfully about the dramatic impact of the Real Living Wage on his life.

I first started work for Broadland in 2018.  When I got the chance to work for Broadland full time, it was the first time I had ever received the Real Living Wage.

I was living in shared accommodation with a family with a small child.  It was hard having to share a bathroom and kitchen with them, as I was outside their family unit.  When I moved to other shared accommodation with single people, I encountered different issues. 

Being paid the Real Living Wage by Broadland made a real difference to my life.  With the increase in wages I could actually start looking for a home of my own. My goal was to get my own flat and be more independent. 

I was lucky to get a social rented flat. The Real Living Wage helped me secure this tenancy because I could afford the rent, but also it was also finally somewhere I could call home, where I could feel safe and secure. 

Having a stable home and a stable relationship gave my life and mental health a real boost.  I will be forever grateful as this has really helped my life move on positively. 

The cost-of-living crisis has really bought into focus the importance of employers giving employees the Real Living Wage.  Today, I am now able to afford to live in shared ownership property with my partner.  I would never have been able to do this without receiving the Real Living Wage. 

As part of my role at Broadland, I am part of the team that reviews and award new contracts.  A requirement of each new contract is that the company must pay the Real Living Wage.  For me this so important, as it has made such a difference to my life. I like to think that it will help others in the same way as it has helped me. 

I am proud that Broadland are a Living Wage Employer, but also for the fact that it makes sure that its contractors pay the Real Living Wage too. 

Jesse Manning, Cleaning Coordinator, Broadland Housing

Broadland Housing has been a Living Wage Employer since 2015 and we are a proud member of the Norwich Living Wage Action Group.

Councillor Alan Waters, Leader of Norwich City Council and Chair of the Action Group and Daniel Childerhouse, CEO of Future Projects also spoke at the campaign launch event at Norwich Forum. They illustrated the value of paying the Real Living Wage for employees, employers, and for the city and wider region as a whole.

After the personal testimonies from employees, Broadland Housing Chief Executive Michael Newey (pictured above, right) joined representatives from Aviva and Norfolk Community Law Service to answer Q&As about the journey to real Living Wage accreditation.

The Norwich Living Wage Action Group members are:

• Norwich City Council
• Aviva
• Broadland Housing Association
• City College Norwich
• Future Projects
• Norfolk Community Law Service
• Norwich Consolidated Charities
• Phoenix Events (East) Ltd Unison
• GMB Union