Socially just waging system

This policy sets out PLATFORM's comprehensive waging system, built on the twin principles of recognising different needs and backgrounds and supporting workers' financial security. A flat core rate applies to all staff regardless of role or expertise, then adjusted by percentage increments or decrements for factors including years of service (1% per year, up to 30%), inherited wealth and gifts (a sliding deduction to redistribute towards those with greater need), dependent children and other dependants (8–24% depending on number and sole-carer status), and ethical pension matching up to 7.5% of salary. The policy also includes an emergency waging mechanism — suspending the normal system in favour of equal disposable income if financial hardship strikes — and a ring-fenced staff emergency hardship fund. Note that some figures and thresholds (e.g. the core rate examples at £25,000) are illustrative and dated to around 2004–05, so monetary amounts will require updating for current use.