At John Mason International, we’ve always believed that our people are the foundation of our success. That’s why we’re proud to announce that we’ve become an accredited Real Living Wage Employer. This commitment ensures that everyone who works with us is paid a minimum of the Real Living Wage, which is £12.60 per hour across the UK and £13.85 in London.
But this isn’t just about receiving an accreditation. For us, it’s about living up to our family values and doing what’s right by our team. The Real Living Wage, set by the Living Wage Foundation, is independently calculated to reflect the actual cost of living, ensuring that our staff are fairly compensated for the vital work they do. This commitment helps us continue to deliver the trusted, world-class service our customers expect from John Mason International.
The Difference Between the National Living Wage and the Real Living Wage
It’s important to highlight the distinction between the National Living Wage, set by the government, and the Real Living Wage, which is set by the Living Wage Foundation. The government’s National Living Wage is currently £11.44 per hour for workers aged 23 and over. This rate is based on a percentage of median earnings and is applied across the UK with no regional differences.
In contrast, the Real Living Wage is based on the actual cost of living, taking into account essential expenses like food, housing, and energy. The rates for 2024-2025 are £12.60 per hour across the UK, with a higher rate of £13.85 for London, reflecting the greater cost of living in the capital. As a result, a full-time worker on the Real Living Wage earns significantly more than someone on the National Living Wage—over £2,200 more annually, and even more for those in London.
By choosing to pay the Real Living Wage, John Mason International is going beyond the legal minimum to ensure that our staff can meet their everyday needs and enjoy a decent standard of living. This decision reflects our commitment to treating our team with the respect and fairness they deserve.
Why the Real Living Wage Matters
The past few years have been challenging for many, with rising living costs placing a strain on households across the UK. At John Mason International, we recognise that our employees are not just team members—they’re part of our extended family. By adopting the Real Living Wage, we’re giving back to those who have helped make us one of the UK’s leading international removals companies.
We’ve built our reputation on trust and reliability over the past 140 years, and this latest step is another demonstration of our commitment to these values. Whether our team is helping families move across the globe or supporting businesses with international logistics, we know that paying a minimum of the Real Living Wage leads to a motivated workforce, which in turn means better service for our customers.
What This Means for Our Customers
At John Mason International, we understand that moving overseas is a life-changing event, and our commitment to paying the Real Living Wage directly benefits our customers by enhancing the quality of our service. A workforce that feels valued and fairly compensated is more engaged, motivated, and dedicated to delivering the best possible experience. This means our team is not only experienced but also genuinely committed to making every move as stress-free and seamless as possible.
By ensuring our staff earn wages that reflect the real cost of living, we’re investing in our people—and, in turn, investing in you, our customer. A happy, motivated team goes the extra mile, paying attention to every detail to ensure your move is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Whether you’re relocating to Australia, the USA, Canada, or anywhere else in the world, you can trust that your move will be managed by a dedicated team that feels supported and appreciated.
As an international business with deep family values, we know that looking after our people helps us attract and retain top talent, ensuring we continue to provide the high standards we’re known for. For our customers, this means smoother moves, greater attention to detail, and a service you can trust every step of the way.