The keepers of the zoo expressed their dismay at the impending rise in the minimum wage, fearing it would unfortunately result in the inability to grant their dedicated staff a well-deserved pay increase—a departure from the institution’s tradition of acknowledging their commitment throughout its history.
In the recent Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt revealed a forthcoming adjustment in the hourly rate, set to climb to £11.44, effective this April.
James Williams, co-director of the delightful Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo, voiced genuine concern, emphasizing the potential challenge this change might pose for small businesses in the local community.
“There isn’t much support out there to help us,” Mr. Williams said.
“We’ve got to try and absorb as much as we can without impacting on our visitors.”
‘Hard for any small business’
The current National Living Wage, also known as the minimum wage, is set at £10.42 per hour for individuals aged 23 and above. However, Mr. Hunt has decided to extend the new rate of £11.44 to 21 and 22-year-olds, marking a significant change. Mr. Williams expressed the difficulty this decision poses for business owners, including himself.
When discussing the challenge, he mentioned, “You might have a student coming out of college, not with much experience, but we have to find a way to pay them the new national living wage. That’s hard for any small business, especially when they don’t have much practical experience. Of course, we’ll help them gain that experience through training, but it’s tough.”
Mr. Williams added that employee pay would be frozen to avoid passing on the increased expense to customers. He explained, “We like to reward our staff, but there’s only so much we can do unless we pass that cost on to customers.”
Infant reindeer
Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo, an establishment with an eight-year trading history, has been a staple in Promenade Park since 2018.
The zoo boasts a diverse array of 70 species, with an impressive 80% of them being rescued. In a notable addition this year, baby Hailee, born in May, joined the collection as the latest reindeer. She is now one of four residing at the zoo, while five others are situated at the zoo’s private farm in Southminster.
Maintaining these nine reindeer is a considerable expense, reportedly amounting to £44,000 annually for their care and sustenance.
“We have an excellent team of zoo keepers,” he added.
“They acknowledge that times are tough, so they’re working reduced hours and even contributing some of their own time to ensure all our animals have everything they need, every single day.”