Frozen food distributor Central Foods has officially become a Living Wage Employer.

The Northamptonshire-based company, which distributes a range of baked goods including flatbreads, crumpets and pizzas, has joined thousands of UK businesses that have gained accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation.

The Living Wage commitment will see all staff members working at Central Foods, regardless of whether they are direct employees or third-party contracted staff, receive a minimum hourly wage of £8.75 in the UK or £10.20 in London. Both rates are significantly higher than the statutory minimum for over 25s of £7.50 per hour introduced in April 2017, the company said.

“We believe that staff deserve a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work and are delighted to have completed the official process to be recognised as a Living Wage Employer,” said Gordon Lauder, managing director at Central Foods.

“As a responsible employer of more than 21 years, it seemed only right for Central Foods to examine our wages policy, ensure that it was fair, and go one step further to gain official accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation.”

Earlier this year, Central Foods appointed Richard Clegg as business development manager.