USPCA's Commitment to Fair Wages and Employee Well-being

Overview

Our mission to "Prevent Cruelty and Relieve Suffering" remains at the core of our work today. Based in Newry, our main centre houses animal rehoming and wildlife facilities, a veterinary clinic, grooming room, and a pet supplies shop. Additionally, we operate four charity retail stores in Banbridge, Lurgan, Lisburn, and Belfast. Our team consists of 46 staff members and 200 volunteers who work tirelessly to support our mission.

Motivation for Living Wage Accreditation

The decision to become a Living Wage Employer was driven by our commitment to fairly compensate our staff, who play a crucial role in the success of our organisation. Over a year ago, our Board recognised the challenges posed by the rising cost of living, particularly in the animal care and charity sectors, which are traditionally underpaid. By implementing the Real Living Wage, we aimed to ensure that our dedicated team is rewarded fairly for the invaluable work they do.

Implementation Process

The process began with a thorough review of our staff salaries by the Board, who carefully considered the financial implications of increasing wages to meet Living Wage standards. Given that the USPCA relies entirely on charitable donations and receives no government funding, this decision was made with careful consideration. Ultimately, the Board concluded that the benefits of paying the Living Wage, improving staff morale, retention, and overall job satisfaction, outweighed the additional costs.

Challenges and overcoming them

One of the primary challenges we faced was the financial burden of raising salaries, especially given our reliance on donations. However, the Board agreed that the long-term benefits, including enhanced staff retention and reduced recruitment and training costs, justified the investment. By prioritising fair pay, we strengthened our commitment to our employees and the vital work they do.

Anticipated Benefits

We anticipate that Living Wage accreditation will reinforce our commitment to our staff, boosting their morale and job satisfaction. This recognition is expected to aid in staff retention and attract new talent, as the USPCA will be seen as an organization that values and fairly compensates its employees.

"I am delighted that we have achieved accreditation as a Real Living Wage employer. It is crucial for the USPCA to take care of our staff, who perform demanding and often stressful work to support our mission. From caring for animals to managing our charity stores and veterinary services, our staff's efforts are invaluable. It is only right that we pay them a Real Living Wage for the vital work they do tirelessly every day."

- Siobhan McHaffie (Director of Operations & Development)