Council calls for others to implement £9 wage
The minimum wage - which is the equivalent of £16,425 per annum - will apply to all permanent Barking and Dagenham Council staff and agency staff working on council assignments.
Council leaders say it reflects what people need to live on in London - and have called on other local authorities to follow suit.
Council Leader, Cllr Liam Smith said: “We have over 1,500 low paid workers and this decision impacts on those who need it most like cleaners, catering staff and teaching assistants - majority of whom are local residents.
“As a Council, we are committed to ensuring our lowest paid employees receive help in tough times, ensuring they are treated fairly in pay – a decision which supports our ambition to increase average household incomes across the borough.
"This will mean a better life for hundreds of workers and their families."
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