As part of Living Wage Week in the UK, we speak to Andrew Izzet Lee – Social Impact Manager at DLA Piper International and Fellow at the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS).
DLA Piper International is a law firm headquartered in London – with operations across the UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East – and has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer in the UK since 2016.
What importance does the real living wage have on social sustainability?
For society to thrive in a sustainable way, we need fairness and togetherness. A real living wage helps make that more achievable – as it reduces the risk of somebody struggling to make ends meet while being able to contribute to the economy.
With the cost-of-living crisis hitting so many people, this feels more important than any other time I can remember. Supporting fair pay isn’t just the right thing to do – it's also how we build a more compassionate and sustainable future.
Can you elaborate on what impact the real living wage can have on an individual?
A real living wage helps recipients afford necessities like food, accommodation, water and energy for a more secure standard of living. It's reviewed annually to consider any economic changes – so recipients are lesser impacted by potential consequences like a recession or inflation. And this can extend to any of their family members who are dependent on their income.
Why is being accredited as a real Living Wage Employer important to DLA Piper International?
Our employees earn a real Living Wage, but being accredited is important as it requires our subcontractors – as well as our direct workforce – to be paid fairly.
These individuals provide essential services like catering, cleaning, security and maintenance – roles which help make our offices safe, welcoming and functional.
We carry out annual checks to make sure they continue to earn a real Living Wage. Their contribution is important so it's only right they are recognised.
As an advocate for the real Living Wage, do you have any personal observations or experiences which shape your passion?
As a person of immigrant heritage from a lower socioeconomic background, I feel a real Living Wage contributes to a more inclusive society – particularly for those who may face existing systemic barriers.
In my first job, I earned the minimum wage, so I questioned whether I could afford to attend university and engage in some social interactions. Looking back, my income wouldn’t have sustained my current lifestyle, which is still quite ordinary according to some of my more spontaneous friends!
What would you say to organisations considering becoming a Living Wage Employer?
Many organisations are just beginning their journey on social sustainability. Or in some cases, they are revising their approach as this area continues to grow.
Either way, one of the most meaningful first steps is to become a Living Wage Employer in the UK. It helps ensure that the people who keep your organisation running aren't left struggling financially and builds a greater sense of belonging across your workforce.
The real Living Wage is also a reliable indicator of progress towards social sustainability. It reflects how economic conditions are impacting individuals in real time, making it a powerful and practical measure of their financial security and standard of living.
Further information about DLA Piper International's work on the real Living Wage can be found in its Sustainability Report. If your organisation is interested in learning about becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer, please contact us here.