WCEC becomes first livery company to be accredited as a Living Wage employer

THE Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) has been named as the first City Livery Company to become an accredited Living Wage employer.

Gary Fage, Master of the WCEC, said: “The Living Wage demonstrates an understanding that without fair pay, we cannot adequately resource our industry. Fair is fair when it comes to remuneration. I’d like to recognise the foresight and efforts of the WCEC Court

Assistant, Phil Smith, whose experience with the Living Wage Foundation and as a founding member of the Recognised Service Provider Scheme have helped to smooth our livery’s way to becoming a Living Wage employer.”

The WCEC will report annually to reconfirm its status. Furthermore, there will be a dedicated area on the WCEC website specific to its Living Wage employer status and any related initiatives. WWW.WC-EC.COM

Astley Hire achieves carbon neutral status

ASTLEY Hire is one of the first industrial equipment hire companies to achieve carbon neutral status for December 2020 - November 2021 under PAS 2026 framework.

In 2021 Astley Hire embarked on a 12-month project to address how it could further minimise the environmental impact of the business. The company has held the ISO 14001 environmental standard for many years but was inspired to make the push for carbon neutrality by the UK’s target to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Astley Hire engaged with consultancy service Charis Ventures Ltd to assist with the project. By working together to form and implement a comprehensive carbon scheme, Astley Hire and

Charis Ventures were able to reduce a potential carbon footprint of 142.08 tons down to a residual value of 48.24 tons, which has been offset via the government approved Carbon Footprint scheme. Astley Hire’s general manager, Martin Doran, said: “We have always been aware of the impact of our business activities on the outside world. I am pleased to have reached this significant milestone of zero carbon neutrality and be one of the first hire companies in the UK to have achieved this status. Our customers who prioritise their green credentials can benefit greatly from knowing they are hiring equipment from a carbon-neutral provider.”

WWW.ASTLEYHIRE.CO.UK