North East Technology News

Issue 124

Phonetic Digital is celebrating a double shortlist at the 2026 Living Wage Champion Awards, after being recognised for its commitment to fair pay and its ongoing work to champion the real Living Wage in Sunderland and across the wider North East. The Sunderland-based agency has been named on the shortlist for: Living Wage Leader (SME) Living Wage Champion of the Year The Living Wage Champion Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the real Living Wage movement, whether through implementation, advocacy or leadership. The double nomination reflects both the company’s own accreditation as a real Living Wage employer and its wider contribution to the Living Wage movement locally. Since Sunderland became a Living Wage City in 2022, significant progress has been made. There are now 62 accredited real Living Wage employers in the city, with more than 2,000 workers benefiting from a wage increase based…