Blackpool's Magic Club aims to invest in its staff

The Magic Club, which opened on Sherbourne Road, Claremont, in 2018, has been accredited as a living wage employer which means staff are paid above the government’s minimum wage.

Chief officer Laura White said: “It is incredibly important to us that our staff team are recompensed fairly for the incredible job they do, and paying the real living wage is an integral part of this.

“In addition, as a young people’s organisation, we want to ensure that young people do not need to move out of Blackpool to earn a decent living and we want our organisation to reflect our values and commitment to local people.

“We would encourage other employers across the Fylde coast to invest in their staff and provide future opportunities for young people even at this difficult time.”

It means everyone working at the charity will receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.30 compared to the government minimum for over 25s, which currently stands at £8.72 per hour.

Katherine Chapman, director of the Living Wage Foundation said: “We’re delighted the Magic Club has joined the movement of over 6,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on.”

Former Lord Mayor of London Sir Andrew Parmley officially opened the Magic Club in March 2018 following the refurbishment of premises previously used as a magicians club.

A grant of £91,000 was given to the scheme, supported by councillors Lynn Williams and Ivan Taylor and MP Paul Maynard, by water company United Utilities.