(Image: GOOGLE)
A County Durham college has come under fire from a unon after scrapping its commitment to paying the real Living Wage, leaving 24 of its lowest-paid workers missing out on the latest increase.
Derwentside College in Consett has ended its four-year accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation, drawing criticism from Unison.
Unison says the decision affects 24 employees, including receptionists, catering assistants, learning support staff, exams administrators, salon assistants and facilities workers.
It means those staff will miss out on the latest increase in the voluntary real Living Wage rate, which is rising by 4.8 per cent to £14.10 an hour outside London.
But Susan Errington, acting principal and chief executive of the college, says that it is "committed to paying staff fairly and competitively".
Derwentside College in Consett (Image: GOOGLE)
Unison accused the college of sending the "wrong message" to low-paid staff and warned their wages could fall further behind the rising cost of living.
The college has paid the real Living Wage since 2022 but initially refused to commit to a cost-of-living rise this academic year, according to Unison.
After pressure from Unison and other unions, affected workers will receive a 3.5 per cent pay rise from April 2027 until July 31, 2027.
Unison says staff still face uncertainty because the college is no longer committed to annual Living Wage Foundation increases.
Unison northern area organiser Dawn Nicholson said: "This decision sends the wrong message to some of the lowest-paid staff at the college.
"Receptionists, catering assistants and learning support staff play a vital role every day. Many now feel their contribution has been devalued.
"Without a commitment to the real Living Wage, there are genuine concerns that pay could fall behind rising living costs, and staff could find themselves much closer to the legal minimum wage.
"Workers feel strongly about this decision. The college should think again and restore its commitment to the real Living Wage."
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But Susan Errington, acting principal and chief executive of the college, has responded to the criticism, saying: "Derwentside College is committed to paying staff fairly and competitively.
"Following careful consideration, the College has decided to end its accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation from the 2026/27 academic year.
"The decision reflects the need to maintain a fair, sustainable, and equitable pay structure for all colleagues across the organisation, whilst retaining greater local control over future pay arrangements.
"The college remains extremely committed to investing in its people, protecting employment opportunities, and delivering high-quality education and support for learners and communities across County Durham."
The real Living Wage is a voluntary hourly rate based on the cost of essentials such as housing, food and heating.
Unlike the statutory National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, the real Living Wage is not compulsory.
The Living Wage Foundation announced its latest increase on October 15, raising the rate to £14.10 an hour outside London and £15.45 in the capital.
Unison is urging Derwentside College to reverse the decision and restore its commitment to the scheme.