Zentra Group is proud to announce that we have become an accredited Living Hours Employer, strengthening our commitment to fair work and building on our existing status as a Real Living Wage Employer.

Our Living Hours accreditation guarantees that everyone working with us will benefit from:

• At least four weeks’ notice of shifts, with guaranteed payment if shifts are cancelled within this period;

• The right to a contract that accurately reflects hours worked;

• A guaranteed minimum of 16 hours per week for all who want it.

These commitments ensure that our colleagues not only earn a wage that meets the real cost of living, but also enjoy the stability and security that comes with predictable working hours.

Building on the Real Living Wage

Zentra Group was accredited as a Real Living Wage Employer in 2024, ensuring all staff and third-party contractors are paid at least the independently calculated real Living Wage. The current rates stand at £12.60 across the UK and £13.85 in London, reflecting the actual cost of living — higher than the government’s National Living Wage.

By adding Living Hours accreditation, we’re ensuring our people have both fair pay and reliable hours — helping them to plan their lives and futures with confidence.

Why Living Hours Matters

Research by the Living Wage Foundation shows that:

• 6.1 million workers (19%) in the UK are in insecure work;

• 3.4 million workers (11%) are in low-paid and insecure work;

• 59% of workers with variable hours have been called into shifts with less than one week’s notice.

Zentra Group is committed to breaking this cycle by setting a high standard.

Jason Upton, CEO of Zentra Group, said:
“We’re proud to have achieved Living Hours accreditation, building on our Living Wage accreditation. This shows that we’re not only ensuring fair pay, but also guaranteeing the security of stable work. It’s important that we set the standards high when it comes to employment — putting people first, raising expectations across the industry, and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.”

Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said:
“We’re delighted that Zentra Group has joined the movement of responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to provide their workers with the secure working hours they need to thrive. By accrediting, Zentra joins a growing list of employers, including abrdn, Aviva and SSE, who recognise that jobs with decent pay and secure hours are good for workers, good for business and good for society.”