Two local companies adjusted their pay rates following the release of the living wage report for Perth Huron.
The report studied what it truly cost to make ends meet in Perth and Huron County.
That prompted both Accumetal, and Veterinary Purchasing to review their current payroll structure, and implement a living wage as the base salary.
Veterinary Purchasing's Rick Culbert says, "We take our role in the community very seriously. We want to help attract people to our area, provide stability, and have a positive working environment."
Rick sees having a reputation as a responsible and fair employer to be a competitive advantage for recruiting new employees.
Accumetal Owner Bob Allen says he gained a greater understanding of how wage levels can affect the entire community. "Wages are often viewed as a business decision, it was helpful to gain an increased awareness and a change in perspective" said Allen
The United Way Perth Huron says the social costs of low wage work include physical and mental health treatments, homelessness, and high consumer debt to income ratios.
One person who lived in poverty told researchers they felt stressed, powerless, hopeless and isolated.
