Eland Cables, a company that supplies electrical cables for major infrastructure projects, has made the decision to implement an early pay raise for its employees. The move has been welcomed by staff members who believe the additional income will be beneficial as the holiday season approaches.
The Real Living Wage, which is a voluntary pay scheme for workers over 18 employed by Living Wage Foundation signatories, is designed to reflect the cost of essential items like food, clothing, and household bills. The hourly rate for the Real Living Wage will see an increase of 6.7%, rising by 85p to £13.45 per hour, and by 6.9%, increasing by 95p to £14.80 per hour in London. These rates surpass the statutory minimum wage.
Eland Cables is among the more than 16,000 Real Living Wage employers, and they have chosen to implement the higher rates ahead of schedule, bypassing the May 2026 deadline. Ben, a 34-year-old father of two from Doncaster, who has been with the company for several years, is among the many employees benefiting from the early wage hike. He expressed gratitude for the move, highlighting the positive impact it will have on his family’s finances, especially with Christmas approaching.
JS Pelland, the executive director of Eland Cables, emphasized that the decision to introduce the enhanced Real Living Wage early aligns with the company’s values of fairness, loyalty, and long-term success. Pelland stressed that prioritizing fair payment for employees is integral to the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and wellbeing strategies. He believes that treating employees well leads to higher engagement, pride in work, and ultimately better outcomes for everyone.
By investing in staff and implementing the Real Living Wage early, Eland Cables has seen significant improvements in staff retention, decreased sickness absence, and increased productivity. The company’s turnover has also seen substantial growth, reaching over £300 million in 2025 from £107 million in 2020. Furthermore, Eland Cables promotes internal advancement and career progression, exemplified by stories of employees starting from humble positions and rising to managerial roles within the company.
Pelland highlighted the positive impact of fostering a culture of commitment and inclusivity within the company, emphasizing that it leads to consistency, quality, and trust, which are vital in their industry.