Listers has announced a permanent cost of living allowance uplift of £1,000 for all employees across all sites, which was originally announced in May 2022 as a temporary 12-month measure to help them cope with inflation and spiralling energy costs.

The trade fabricator is also due to increase the rate for all hourly paid colleagues from £10.40 to £10.90 in May 2023, which is the voluntary Real Living Wage. This is a 14.7% increase on the current UK Minimum Wage of £9.50.

There is not expected to be a corresponding price rise to customers.

“In November, we posted a record month, with sales of £4m,” said Listers’ MD Roy Frost. “An accumulation of factors brought about this incredible result, including investment in products, machinery, and marketing. But most importantly of all, our colleagues across all parts of the business have really stepped up to the plate, and without their hard work, this achievement would not have been possible.

“This pay rise is in part a recognition of that dedication. But we also understand that inflation and soaring energy costs have affected all household budgets this last year, and we want to do everything we can to make sure all our colleagues are prepared for rising bills.”

Listers’ announcement pre-empted a recent Lords report that found more than half a million people have left the UK workforce since the Covid pandemic.

“On the one hand, we want to protect our colleagues from rising prices, but we also want to guarantee that product quality and service levels remain high, and the best way to do that is to attract and retain the best people,” Roy said.

“It’s no secret that we have been experiencing a skills crisis in the window and door industry, and the news that the UK’s overall workforce is shrinking means we all have to work harder to develop the best products, which create new opportunities for our customers.”

These opportunities include the premium Sheerline, Residence Collection and Timeless flush sash products, all delivered in a range of finishes on the same rapid lead times.

“Our customers need a range of premium products to meet a changing set of demands going into 2023,” Roy said. “The fact that we hit a record month in November 2022 proves that our strategy is working. But we can only achieve this if we invest in our people, which is why we are proud to announce these pay rises across the board.”