MORE than 150 community leaders from came together yesterday (7) at the West London Citizens’ Assembly at St Anselm’s Church in Southall.

They were joined by firms, councils, MPs and NHS trusts to celebrate securing millions of pounds in increased wages for working people.  

At the assembly, the formation of a new Ealing Living Wage Action Team was announced.

It aims to tackle low pay in the borough, where it is estimated there are 18.5% of workers earning below the real living wage.

The group is made up of employers and organisations such as Ealing Citizens, Ealing Council and the University of West London.

Jose Mendes, community leader at St Anselm’s Church, a member of Ealing Citizens, said: “When I came to this country, my qualifications from India didn’t count anymore. I found there was no one to help me, so I had to start all over again, working at Heathrow Airport.

“From that day on, I decided I would help people whenever I could so they don’t have to face the same injustices I did.”

Cllr Louise Brett, Cabinet Member for Decent Living Incomes at Ealing Council, said: “I'm so proud of the hard work being done daily by members of the action group and officers at the council as we strive to reach our ambitious target of 200 accredited living wage employers.”