Living Wage holiday parks urged to go on the record
Britain’s first holiday park to become an accredited Living Wage employer is urging others to join the official register of firms making a Living Wage commitment.
Patrick Langmaid, director of Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park in Cornwall, believes that such a move is the perfect way for any business to demonstrate its social responsibility.
“Our decision to pay the Living Wage, currently set at £7.85 per hour outside London, will add around £12,000 a year to our annual annual wage bill in the future,” says Patrick.
Patrick Langmaid
According to the industry’s trade body, the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, Mother Ivey’s is leading the way in becoming accredited by the Living Wage Foundation.
Around 1,100 other businesses of all types in the UK have already signed up to the organisation.
“I strongly believe there is more to business than short-term profits, and that long-term interests are most often best served by looking beyond the balance sheet, ” said Patrick.
“By putting the principles of social responsibility at the heart of our decision-making, we are resonating with the way many of our customers now feel about how companies should behave.
“They believe that business owners should have proper regard for issues such as treating employees fairly, minimising their environmental impact and playing a part in the local community.
“We don’t regard wages as just another cost, but as a means of recognising and rewarding the hard work of our staff team, all of whom are incredibly loyal to our business, including many who have been with us for more than ten years,” said Patrick.
Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park, which scooped a Silver accolade in the 2014 Cornwall Tourism Awards, provides 230 caravan holiday homes, both privately owned and for hire.
It also has 120 pitches for touring guests, and a field which opens in summer for campers.
Patrick, whose family has owned the business for over 25 years, today runs the beachside park with the help of his wife Margaret.
Last year, Mother Ivey’s introduced an apprenticeship scheme which will help youngsters gain transferable skills and recognised qualifications to advance their careers in tourism.
There is more information about the park at www.motheriveysbay.com – and the Living Wage Foundation has details of accreditation at www.livingwage.org.uk
March 12, 2015
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