Arriva Merseyside has been officially recognised for its commitment to fair employment practices, becoming the first bus operator in the region to receive the Liverpool City Region's Fair Employment Charter accreditation. The company was awarded the highest possible level for its workplace policies.
The charter, an initiative led by the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, acknowledges organisations dedicated to fair pay, secure employment, and the overall wellbeing of their staff. Arriva's achievement highlights its role as a major local employer committed to high standards.
Key Takeaways
- Arriva Merseyside is the first bus operator to be accredited by the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter.
- The company achieved the highest 'accredited' level, recognising its comprehensive support for employees.
- The accreditation acknowledges Arriva's commitment to the Real Living Wage, secure work, and positive union relations.
- Trade union Unite has welcomed the recognition, citing a constructive partnership with the company.
A New Standard for Public Transport Employers
Arriva Merseyside has set a new benchmark in the public transport sector by securing the top-tier accreditation from the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter. This recognition is not merely symbolic; it confirms that the company meets stringent criteria related to employee treatment and workplace environment.
The charter evaluates businesses on several key areas. To achieve the accredited level, Arriva demonstrated excellence in practices such as providing comprehensive training, fostering an inclusive culture, and offering robust mental health support for its workforce. It also met the core requirements of fair pay and reasonable working hours.
What is the Fair Employment Charter?
The Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter was established by the Metro Mayor to promote and reward good employment practices across the region. Its goal is to create a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous local economy by encouraging businesses to invest in their people.
Organisations are assessed on their commitment to principles like paying the Real Living Wage, offering secure contracts, and ensuring employees have a voice in the workplace. The charter has different levels of recognition, with the 'accredited' status being the most prestigious.
The Importance of the Real Living Wage
The Real Living Wage is an independently calculated hourly rate based on the actual cost of living. It is higher than the government's National Living Wage and is voluntarily paid by over 14,000 UK employers. Arriva's commitment to paying this rate was a key factor in its accreditation.
Arriva's Commitment to its Workforce
Arriva's leadership expressed pride in the achievement, linking it to the company's long-standing presence in the community. As one of the largest employers in the city region, the company views the accreditation as a formal acknowledgement of its ongoing efforts to be a responsible employer.
Jenna Hoare, Senior HR Business Partner for Arriva Merseyside, commented on the company's proactive approach.
“When the Mayor introduced the Fair Employment Charter, we were keen to be involved. We’ve proudly served communities across Liverpool for several decades and we’re proud not only to keep our communities connected but also to play a key role in the city’s economy as one of its largest employers.”
Hoare further emphasized the specific policies that contributed to the recognition, stating, “At Arriva we pay the Real Living Wage, ensure our trade union has a genuine seat at the table, and provide opportunities for our colleagues to progress and thrive.”
Key Pillars of Arriva's Accreditation
- Fair Pay: Commitment to paying the Real Living Wage.
- Employee Voice: Strong, collaborative relationship with the Unite trade union.
- Wellbeing: Dedicated support systems for mental health.
- Development: Opportunities for training and career progression.
- Inclusion: Active measures to improve workplace inclusivity.
A Partnership Praised by Trade Unions
The accreditation has also been welcomed by Unite the Union, which represents many Arriva employees. The union highlighted the positive and constructive relationship it maintains with the company, viewing the charter award as a direct result of this partnership.
Ged Bresnan, Chair of Unite the Union’s North West Joint Negotiating Committee, offered his perspective on the news.
“Unite welcomes Arriva Merseyside’s accreditation under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter. This recognition reflects the value of the constructive partnership between Arriva and us as a trade union.”
Bresnan added that the union is eager to continue its collaborative work with Arriva. “We look forward to continuing to work with Arriva to build on this accreditation and carry on that constructive relationship,” he said.
Setting a Precedent for Local Businesses
Arriva's achievement makes it a leader not just in the transport industry but among all large businesses in the Liverpool City Region. By becoming the first bus operator to gain this status, the company joins a growing list of local organisations committed to ethical employment.
The move is seen as a positive step for the region's economy, demonstrating that major service providers can successfully balance commercial operations with a strong commitment to employee welfare.
For Hoare, the accreditation is a point of pride in a forward-thinking city. “Working in a progressive city such as Liverpool, it’s great to be the first bus operator to achieve this accreditation and to join the growing number of local businesses recognised by the Charter,” she concluded.
