In Unity Spring 2015 No7 v2 Page 6

SOCIAL
IMPACT

Investors in People (IIP) Gold status

We join the

top 7% of UK accredited

businesses as an employer with Gold
status.

It recognises our dedication to providing
a great workplace for our staff, creating
a positive culture that places high regard
on social values and the willingness of
the bank and our people to work together

to continuously improve our services to
our customers. IIP is the UK's leading
accreditation for business improvement,
people management and continuous
investment in staff.

Best Companies to
Work For Survey 2015
`One Star' rating

The Sunday Times Best

Companies survey scores businesses
across eight workplace factors including
my company, personal growth, wellbeing,
fair deal and giving something back.
Unity surpassed the `One Star' benchmark
of 659.5 with a score of 760.3. We
have been taking part in The Sunday
Times Best Companies to Work for Survey
for a number of years and this year we
are delighted to have achieved `One
Star' status.

What was it like before working for a Living Wage employer?

I had a weekend job at a local shop as well as being an apprentice
at Unity. I worked full time, seven days a week, with long hours
to earn enough to cover my living expenses. Now I get a living
wage, I have been able to leave my weekend job which means
I've got free time to spend with my friends and family, and to do
things that I enjoy. I've got a much better work-life balance now.

How has the Living Wage affected you?

It makes everything much more affordable. It's less of a stretch
to pay for everyday costs like transport and food, and I can now
afford to treat myself more. It's great that I can stand on my
own two feet financially. It means I don't have to rely on my
parents to lend me money or provide for me anymore.

Is it important to have a wage that reflects your living costs?

Because the Living Wage reflects the cost of living, I can be
confident that my salary will go up when my living costs go up.
This means I worry less about money. I feel like Unity values
me as an employee and is committed to improving my wellbeing.
Now that I have a stable job that I can be confident will pay
me fairly, I can begin to plan ahead for the future.

Could you be a Living Wage Employer?

Living Wage employers pay all of their directly employed and
contracted staff a minimum of £7.85 per hour (£9.15 per hour
in London). This rate is independently set and calculated based
on the basic cost of living in the UK.

Throughout the application, the Living Wage Foundation

will work with you in implementing the Living Wage across your

organisation and support you in gaining accreditation.

Unity was named Living Wage Champion

for the West Midlands during Living Wage

week in November 2014.

This important

award, given by the Living Wage Foundation,

recognises accredited employers that have

made great contributions to communities

and industries by implementing and

celebrating the Living Wage.

Ben Jordan, aged 19, was an apprentice at Unity,

who has now taken up a full time position. Ben

tell us how the Living Wage has affected him...

CHAMPIONING THE

LIVING WAGE

Contact the Living Wage Foundation for more details
or to apply. Go to www.livingwage.org.uk

DEVELOPING A

DIVERSE AND TALENTED TEAM

Two important awards have been made to Unity in recognition of our ongoing
commitment to investing in and developing staff. By training our staff to the
highest level and ensuring they are satisfied in their jobs, we believe this
will translate into expert and friendly customer service.

Ben Jordan speaks at
the Living Wage Launch
event in Birmingham