A Christmas pay boost has arrived early for workers at Eland Cables, offering timely relief as living costs continue to rise. By fast-tracking the Real Living Wage uplift months ahead of the 2026 deadline, the company has given staff a welcome financial lift just as families prepare for the festive season.
For staff on the ground, this early rise is being welcomed as a timely support ahead of the festive period. Ben, a 34-year-old father-of-two from Doncaster, captured the sentiment shared by many colleagues. He described the announcement as “brilliant,” stressing that fair pay remains essential to helping working families stay afloat. With Christmas approaching, he noted that the increased pay will ease day-to-day pressures and help him support his young family while also continuing his charitable work for a hospice in Rotherham. His words echoed the reality faced by countless UK workers who rely on steady wages to navigate escalating household costs.
The company’s executive director, JS Pelland, explained that the decision to introduce the Real Living Wage uplift early is rooted in principles of fairness, loyalty, and long-term organisational success. He emphasised that Eland Cables’ workforce is central to the firm’s reputation for quality and compliance, stating that paying the Real Living Wage is a core part of their wider wellbeing and ESG strategy. Implementing the uplift early, he said, is simply the “right thing to do.”
Pelland went on to highlight how the company’s internal staffing model has strengthened cohesion and morale. Since becoming a Living Wage signatory in 2021, Eland Cables opted to bring all roles in-house, ensuring everyone receives the same benefits package. This move, he explained, builds commitment and fosters a sense of belonging that ultimately enhances consistency, quality, and trust — attributes that matter significantly in infrastructure supply chains.
For The Workers Union, examples like this illustrate the importance of placing working people at the forefront of decisions that shape organisational culture. Early pay rises demonstrate that employers can take proactive steps to support staff, especially at a time of year when pressures on household finances intensify. With many UK households preparing for Christmas amid ongoing economic uncertainty, gestures of this kind highlight the continued need for employers to consider the realities their teams face.
As we observe excellent companies responding ahead of deadlines, it becomes increasingly clear that recognising the value of workers leads to benefits that stretch far beyond the pay packet. Engagement, stability, and pride in workmanship grow when employers show meaningful commitment. For many families, this early uplift is more than a financial adjustment — it is a message of appreciation and a reminder that their contribution matters.
