Redbridge: Living Wage Employer

At Redbridge Property Services, we believe that a company is only as strong as its people. That’s why we are proud to announce that we have officially become a Living Wage Employer as part of our commitment to fair pay, employee well-being, and responsible business practices.

While we have always paid above the Real Living Wage to our full-time employees, this formal accreditation reinforces our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments and ensures that we continue to prioritise fair wages across all aspects of our business.

To discuss what this means for Redbridge Property Services, we sat down with Craig Smith, our Chief Operating Officer (COO), to talk about the importance of fair pay and the positive impact of becoming a Living Wage Employer.

Why did Redbridge Property Services decide to become a Living Wage Employer?

Craig Smith: At Redbridge Property Services, we’ve always believed in fair pay. For years, we have paid above the Living Wage to our full-time employees, but we hadn’t taken the step of becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer.

For us, this accreditation is about accountability and transparency. We want to show our employees—and potential employees—that we are serious about treating our workforce fairly. We also see it as an important part of our ESG strategy, ensuring that our business practices align with our values.

It’s not just about meeting a minimum requirement—it’s about doing what’s right for our people and making sure they feel valued, secure, and motivated in their roles.

How will becoming a Living Wage Employer benefit Redbridge Property Services as a business?

Craig Smith: The benefits go beyond just being the “right thing to do.” In practical terms, paying a fair and sustainable wage leads to better employee satisfaction, increased productivity, and lower staff turnover.

When employees feel secure in their earnings, they are more engaged, more committed, and more focused on delivering great work. That directly benefits our clients because they receive services from a dedicated, motivated team.

We also see this accreditation as a key advantage in recruitment and retention. As a property services company, we compete for skilled workers, and offering a Real Living Wage helps us attract the best talent. People want to work for employers who respect them and invest in their well-being.

Have you had any feedback from employees about this decision?

Craig Smith: Absolutely. Our team has always appreciated that we pay fairly, but making it official has been met with a really positive response.

This accreditation reassures our employees that fair pay isn’t just something we do casually—it’s part of our company culture. Several of our team members have told us they’re proud to work for a company that values them enough to make this commitment.

In an industry where low pay and job insecurity can be common, we want to set a higher standard and ensure that our workforce feels secure, valued, and respected.

 

What was the process of becoming a Living Wage Employer like?

Craig Smith: It was a relatively quick and straightforward process. The Living Wage Foundation provides clear guidance, and we already met the wage requirements, so it was mostly about formalising our commitment.

One thing I really appreciated was the support from the accreditation team—they were helpful every step of the way, making sure we understood the impact of the commitment and how to implement it across our operations.

Do you have any advice for other businesses considering becoming a Living Wage Employer?

Craig Smith: I’d say go for it.

It’s understandable that some businesses worry about wage increases and their impact on the bottom line, especially in a tough economic climate. But in our experience, paying fairly isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment.

A workforce that feels secure and respected is more productive, more engaged, and more loyal. In the long run, that saves money on recruitment, training, and inefficiencies caused by high staff turnover.

There’s also a growing expectation—especially among clients and customers—that businesses operate ethically. Being a Living Wage Employer sends a strong message that you care about your people, which builds trust and strengthens your reputation.

What’s next for Redbridge Property Services?

Craig Smith: Becoming a Living Wage Employer is just one part of our ESG journey. We’re continuing to look at ways to improve employee well-being, invest in training and development, and implement sustainable business practices.

We’re also committed to supporting other businesses in making similar changes. We encourage our suppliers and partners to consider becoming Living Wage Employers themselves, helping to create a fairer, more sustainable industry.

We also recently signed up, and made a commitment, to the Bristol Equality Charter because we do a lot of work in that city and it aligns with our values. We also recently decided to become a Disability Confident Employer.

At Redbridge Property Services, we believe that success isn’t just about profits—it’s about people. Becoming a Living Wage Employer is a step forward in ensuring that we continue to do right by our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve.

Join Us in Supporting Fair Pay

We are proud to be part of the Living Wage movement and encourage other businesses to explore what it means for their teams. If you’re a business owner considering accreditation, we’d be happy to share our experience—because fair pay benefits everyone.

For more information about our commitment to fair pay and sustainability, get in touch with Redbridge Property Services today!

📞 Contact us to learn more about our work and values. We are always looking for Gas and Electrical Engineers or those with transferable skills or interested in becoming trainees or apprentices.