Mackle Petfoods becomes the first large food manufacturer to sign up to the Real Living Wage
Armagh pet food manufacturer, Mackle Petfoods, has become the first large food manufacturer in Northern Ireland to commit to paying the real Living Wage for employees. The company, which employs 275 staff across three sites in Moy and Dungannon, will now ensure all staff are paid the real Living Wage which is the only wage based on the cost of living and is a voluntary commitment by businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage to meet their everyday needs. As a result, from 1 October 2024, Mackle Petfoods now pays all hourly-paid staff a minimum real living rate of £12.00 per hour which will increase in April 2025 in line with wage rates set by the Living Wage Foundation.*
Last month Mackle Petfoods gained accreditation as a company committed to paying the Real Living Wage, following a commitment to ensure all staff are paid a wage that reflects their work. It now joins 15,000 employers across the UK, and 121 in Northern Ireland signed up to paying the real Living Wage.
Commenting on the real Living Wage accreditation for Mackle Petfoods, Francesca Murray, HR Manager, said; “Mackle Petfoods are delighted to become the largest food manufacturer in Northern Ireland to make a commitment to pay the real Living Wage. All our staff are already paid above the National Minimum Wage as we recognise their importance within the company. Now by signing up to the real Living Wage, we will now pay all hourly salaried staff a minimum rate above the current Government Minimum Wage and will increase this in April 2025 reflecting the Living Wage Foundation annual calculation.**
This new rate indicates our company’s commitment to ensuring all staff are paid a fair wage for a fair day’s work and is an investment in our people as reflected in the salaries of all hourly paid staff. In addition to hourly paid staff, Mackle Petfoods will also ensure that any contractors we work with are paid the real Living Wage too.”
The company is currently recruiting for new staff in various areas, including production operatives. To learn more about Mackle Petfoods commitment to ensuring hourly paid staff earn a real Living Wage visit www.macklepetfoods.com.
The real Living Wage initiative was launched in Northern Ireland in June 2024, with 121 employers already signed up to participate. Across England, Scotland, and Wales. For more information about the Living Wage, visit www.livingwage.org.uk.
*As of 23 October 2024, the Real Living Wage was increased to £12.60 per hour to be implemented by employers by May 2025.
**The current National Minimum Wage is set at £11.44 from April 2024 and will increase to £12.21 in April 2025.