[UK] Real Living Wage rates get vital boost

In the UK, almost half a million people working for more than 16,000 real Living Wage Employers throughout the country will see a vital pay boost, as the real Living Wage rates rise to £13.45 an hour across the UK (85p or 6.7 per cent increase), and £14.80 an hour in London (95p or 6.9 per cent increase).  

Recent research by the Living Wage Foundation revealed that as inflation grew over the past year, many of the UK’s 4.5 million low-paid workers struggled to make ends meet. Two in five (42 per cent) have been forced to use food banks in the past year, rising to over half (56 per cent) for low-paid workers with dependent children.

Despite nationwide economic challenges, the number of employers signed up to pay the real Living Wage has reportedly continued to grow, with nearly 2,500 new accreditations over the past year. Living Wage Employers commit to paying all their staff, including third-party contractors such as cleaners and security guards, at least the real Living Wage. Now, 1 in 7 UK employees work for an accredited Living Wage Employer.   

Katherine Chapman - Executive Director of the Living Wage Foundation - said, “We all need a wage that covers life’s essentials, and the real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate independently calculated based solely on what is needed to cover rising living costs. The new rates announced today will make a massive difference to workers and their families, helping them to better cope with the costs of rent, bills, food and other essentials, and to live with stability and security. 

“It remains a tough time for low-paid workers, with 4.5 million people still earning less than the real Living Wage and struggling to escape the grip of in-work poverty. That’s why we encourage as many employers as possible to do the right thing and commit to paying a wage that reflects the real cost of living. 

“Despite the challenges businesses face, our movement continues to grow, with over 16,000 employers now accredited. These leading employers are showing that paying the real Living Wage has a far-reaching impact on staff, businesses and society.”

Source: Living Wage Foundation

(Quotes via original reporting)

In the UK, almost half a million people working for more than 16,000 real Living Wage Employers throughout the country will see a vital pay boost, as the real Living Wage rates rise to £13.45 an hour across the UK (85p or 6.7 per cent increase), and £14.80 an hour in London (95p or 6.9 per cent increase).  

Recent research by the Living Wage Foundation revealed that as inflation grew over the past year, many of the UK’s 4.5 million low-paid workers struggled to make ends meet. Two in five (42 per cent) have been forced to use food banks in the past year, rising to over half (56 per cent) for low-paid workers with dependent children.

Despite nationwide economic challenges, the number of employers signed up to pay the real Living Wage has reportedly continued to grow, with nearly 2,500 new accreditations over the past year. Living Wage Employers commit to paying all their staff, including third-party contractors such as cleaners and security guards, at least the real Living Wage. Now, 1 in 7 UK employees work for an accredited Living Wage Employer.   

Katherine Chapman - Executive Director of the Living Wage Foundation - said, “We all need a wage that covers life’s essentials, and the real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate independently calculated based solely on what is needed to cover rising living costs. The new rates announced today will make a massive difference to workers and their families, helping them to better cope with the costs of rent, bills, food and other essentials, and to live with stability and security. 

“It remains a tough time for low-paid workers, with 4.5 million people still earning less than the real Living Wage and struggling to escape the grip of in-work poverty. That’s why we encourage as many employers as possible to do the right thing and commit to paying a wage that reflects the real cost of living. 

“Despite the challenges businesses face, our movement continues to grow, with over 16,000 employers now accredited. These leading employers are showing that paying the real Living Wage has a far-reaching impact on staff, businesses and society.”

Source: Living Wage Foundation

(Quotes via original reporting)