GOOD JOBS
“ In my opinion , a good employer in a ‘ great company ’ would have a happy team , who were proud of working for their company and this would be measurable by them having a lower staff turnover rate than their competitors .”
These are the words of Barry Bassett , managing director of VMI . TV – which is based in Acton and hires out camera and digital equipment to TV and movie productions .
The company ( which also has a base in Bristol ) makes sure it pays all of its staff the London Living Wage , takes on apprentices , and strongly believes in ongoing training and development for all its staff . It has committed to becoming a net zero carbon contributor by 2030 to help the environment and is publicly reporting all of its emissions – this has included taking a whole range of energy efficiency measures , some of which were implemented with the help of a grant from Ealing Council . It also helps to raise money for charity .
This all tallies with the council ’ s desire to see good jobs created in the borough , with fair pay and good working conditions . Responsible employers are central to this ambition . Council leader Peter Mason said : “ We want employers to work with us to achieve our priorities of creating good jobs , tackling the climate crisis and fighting inequality . They are uniquely placed to do so . By being a ‘ good
What is a good employer ?
employer ’, local companies can play a key role in helping our borough achieve these aims . We want as many businesses as possible to commit to the London Living Wage and to securing good terms and conditions for workers , as well as building for their future in a sustainable way .”
‘ STAFF FEEL GOOD ’ Barry said VMI . TV has learned to change over the years and , by striving to be environmentally responsible and good to its staff , the company has brought itself multiple rewards .
He said : “ We all have a responsibility to the local and the wider community and employers and people in general are all becoming much more aware of this .
“ Staff feel good about working for
VMI and this aids staff retention . Not only are our staff proud of VMI and all of its environmental innovations , but they also share in its success , because I insist on sharing some of the profits out with all of my staff , too . Our staff turnover rate today is the lowest that it has ever been .”
Barry said research showed younger people are less likely to apply for work in companies without a green policy , and VMI . TV was delighted to win a sustainability award at COP26 recently . He has also been selected as one of the council ’ s local climate leaders ( see p28 ).
“ Above all else ” he added . “ It is the right thing to do .” Read more and watch a video at aroundealing . com / news / VMI
Right : Barry Bassett in the VMI building around ealing Winter 2021 11