Principle 1

Good Pay, Working Hours & Contracts

Good pay, fair hours, and secure contracts create healthier, happier, and more committed workplaces.

When you pay people fairly and offer secure, safe jobs, you help them build a stable life and balance work with family. That’s not just good for them – it’s good for your business too.

Staff who feel fairly paid and supported are more likely to stay, perform well, and feel mentally healthier. The right contract and some control over how they work also boost job satisfaction and wellbeing.

When your team feels valued, supported by managers, and sees room to grow, they’re more likely to go the extra mile… and stick around.

What can you do?

Paying the Real Living Wage is one way to show your commitment. It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s recognised by funders, local authorities, and accreditation schemes. It also helps you stand out when applying for contracts or funding, and gives your team a wage they can live on.

 

Visit Real Living Wage

Cornwall is a Living Wage Place, meaning that there is an action plan in place to encourage and support businesses to pay the Real Living Wage.

Find out more

Freelancers Are Important

Freelancers are a vital part of Cornwall’s business community. If you work with freelancers, it’s important to recognise the unique challenges they face. Especially when it comes to policy measures adapted to their status and access to support.

Freelancers are active across all sectors, with particularly high numbers in the creative industries. That’s why some organisations are adopting principles that better reflect their needs.

We’ve linked to a resource that sets out five guiding principles for organisations working with freelancers. It’s been created by freelancers and is designed to help you build fairer, more inclusive relationships.

Freelancers Taskforce - The 5 Guiding Principles

Speak to the Growth Hub

Ready to take the next step? The Growth Hub will direct you to tailored support to help your business grow stronger

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An illustration of someone flying a drone.
Small and Medium businesses: the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) offers Employment Protection for FSB members
  • HR advice
  • Employment disputes defence, including legal representation
  • Employee contract and policies
  • Managing employees
  • Recruitment
  • Training opportunities

 

Find out more about the Federation of Small Businesses

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