Trade union Unison has welcomed the decision to give a pay rise to more than 3,000 Caerphilly County Borough Council workers.
From October this year, workers on the minimum wage will be paid a ‘living wage’ of £7.20.
The move will cost council taxpayers an extra £500,000 a year. Councillors have said the money will come from savings already made.
Gary Enright, Unison’s Caerphilly County Council branch secretary, said: “A living wage will make a huge difference to over 3,000, mainly female, members of Caerphilly Council workforce. We know that a living wage can lift working families out of poverty.
“A living wage will be a great success. It will work for the council as absenteeism is likely to decrease, staff morale will be boosted, and so will efficiency. It will work for the individual who will be more able to provide for themselves and their families. And it will work for the local economy as spending power in the area will be increased.
“Unison has long argued for a living wage and Caerphilly Council’s announcement is an excellent example of how trades unions and employers can work together for the common good.”