Eland Cables, a company supplying electrical cables to major infrastructure projects, has taken a proactive step by implementing a pay increase for its employees ahead of schedule. The pay raise is part of the Real Living Wage initiative, which aims to provide fair compensation to workers over 18 employed by Real Living Wage employers.
The new hourly rates will see an increase of 85p to £13.45 an hour, representing a 6.7% rise, and a 95p increase to £14.80 an hour in London, marking a 6.9% bump. These rates exceed the mandatory minimum wage requirements.
Ben, a 34-year-old father of two from Doncaster and a long-time employee at Eland Cables, expressed appreciation for the early wage hike, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on his family’s finances, especially with Christmas approaching. He highlighted the importance of fair pay and the practical benefits it brings to daily living expenses.
JS Pelland, the executive director of Eland Cables, emphasized the company’s commitment to fairness, loyalty, and long-term success by implementing the Real Living Wage increase ahead of schedule. Pelland underscored the importance of treating employees well, leading to higher engagement, pride in work, and better overall results for the company.
Eland Cables has witnessed significant improvements in staff retention, reduced sickness absence, and increased productivity since transitioning all roles to receive the Living Wage Plus. The company’s turnover has surged from £107 million in 2020 to over £300 million in 2025, demonstrating the positive impact of fair compensation on employee satisfaction and business performance.
Moreover, Eland Cables promotes internal advancement and career development, exemplified by a former site cleaner who progressed to become a shift manager. This approach has fostered a sense of commitment, unity, and trust among employees, contributing to enhanced consistency and quality in their operations.