London Citizens: why St James's is a partner

St James's is a member institution of London Citizens, the community organising body whose constitution commits it to 'build the capacity of our member institutions and groups to participate more effectively in London's public life.'

Members of our community are actively involved in their work.  The Living Wage has been a major focus this year.  Several people joined an action last summer when we supported cleaning staff in various government departments seeking a Living Wage.  The Department of Work and Pensions announced in December that they would move to the payment of the London Living Wage; and negotiations continue with other Government departments.  Another current focus is the John Lewis Partnership, who recently turned down a request to include their cleaners in their partnership arrangements, and to make sure they received at least a Living Wage.

We are hoping that St James’s, which does pay all its employed staff at a rate above the Living Wage, will shortly be accredited as a “Living Wage Employer”.  This will enable us to display the badge and bear public witness to this important matter.  The other major area of involvement is with the Citizens UK Diaspora Caucus. At their Assembly in the autumn, Puck de Raadt was given a special award for her work in helping to make sure that reliable and affordable advice is available to refugees, asylum seekers and others with immigration difficulties.  Michael Faulkner