Mayor Andy Burnham welcomes United Utilities to the ranks of region’s top employers

United Utilities has been accredited by Greater Manchester Combined Authority as a Member of its Good Employment Charter.

The accolade is evidence that the water company meets the highest employment standards across a range of topics including secure and flexible work, a real living wage, diverse and inclusive recruitment, training, health and wellbeing and employee engagement.

The company, which employs more than 5,000 people across the North West of England keeping the taps flowing and the sewers flushing, is the only FTSE100 company based within the region. United Utilities also supports a further 17,500 jobs through its supply chain as it delivers a £5.9 billion investment programme between 2020 and 2025.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “It’s great news that a major regional employer like United Utilities is stepping up and committing to put the values of our Good Employment Charter into practice.

“Thanks to the Charter and the 300 employers engaged across our city-region, more employees are benefiting from a real living wage, more secure work, and a fair say in their workplace. The benefits are there too for businesses that invest in their employees, along with dedicated support from the Charter team.

“Good employment must be at the heart of any effort to genuinely level up our places, improving conditions for employees and in doing so creating better, more productive working environments. I would urge businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to join United Utilities and get involved.”

United Utilities Customer Services and People Director Louise Beardmore explained why becoming a Member of the Good Employment Charter was such an important step:

“We provide essential services which touch on the lives of everyone in this region and it’s really important that our workforce represents the communities we serve. This is a vibrant and diverse region and we work hard to recruit and retain the best people so we can provide the best possible service.

“But good business is not just about providing a great service; our purpose is to deliver great water and more for the North West. The way that we do business can make a positive contribution to society and the regional economy. By providing great opportunities for people to thrive, our employees feel valued and engaged with their work and everyone wins.

“We are proud to join the good employment movement in Greater Manchester, helping make this region a great place to live and work.”

United Utilities is also engaged with Liverpool City Region and working towards joining the city’s Fair Employment Charter.