Almost 400,000 people working for over 11,000 real Living Wage Employers throughout the country are set for a vital cost-of-living pay boost, as the new Living Wage rates rise to £10.90 an hour across the UK (£1 increase), and £11.95 an hour in London (90p increase), supporting workers and families. This year’s Living Wage rates have been brought forward in recognition of the sharp increase in living costs over the past year.
The real Living Wage rates remain the only wage rates independently calculated based on what people need to live on. This year the rate increased by 10.1% in the UK, more than ever in the Living Wage Foundation’s 11-year history reflecting sharp increases in living costs.
New research from the Cardiff Business School shows that Living Wage workers have benefitted from more than £338m in extra wages since the start of this year alone, with one in 10 employees now working for an accredited Living Wage Employer.
The new Living Wage rates and the ‘National Living Wage’ – know the difference
Unlike the Government minimum wage (‘National Living Wage’ for over 23s – £9.50) the real Living Wage is the only wage rate independently calculated based on rising living costs. A full-time worker earning the new, real Living Wage would earn £2,730 a year more than a worker earning the current government minimum (NLW), and £1,950 more than their current pay.
In London, a full-time worker on the new real Living Wage rate would earn an additional £4,777.50 a year compared to a worker on the current NLW.
Low pay
There are 4.8m workers paid less than the real Living Wage. Research published last week by the Living Wage Foundation found that over the past 6 months more workers are skipping meals and using food banks than ever before.
Katherine Chapman, Living Wage Foundation Director, said:
“With living costs rising so rapidly, millions are facing an awful “heat or eat” choice this winter- that’s why a real Living Wage is more vital than ever. Today’s new rates will provide hundreds of thousands of workers and their families with greater security and stability during these incredibly difficult times.
“We are facing unprecedented challenges with the cost-of-living crisis, but businesses continue to step up and support workers by signing up to the Living Wage in record numbers. We know that the Living Wage is good for employers as well as workers, that’s why the real Living Wage must continue to be at the heart of solutions to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.”
FRG & the Living Wage Foundation
FRG are a Recognised Service Provider proudly working with the Living Wage Foundation to promote the real Living Wage. We believe in paying a decent wage to our staff, who carry out vital work for many organisations, and therefore always provide a Living Wage costed bid to all our clients. This gives our clients the chance to decide if the Living Wage is right for their organisation.
In recognition to our commitment to the Living Wage movement FRG have been elected to the Recognised Service Providers Leadership Group.
Could you be a Recognised Service Provider?
- Will you commit to ensure that all core staff (those not tied to customer contracts) are paid the Living Wage rates?
- Could you promote the benefits of paying the Living Wage to your customers and provide this as a costed option when pricing contracts?
- Would you like to be part of a strategic community of Service Providers that support and promote the Living Wage?
- Do you believe in contributing to ending low pay in the UK’s lowest paid service sectors?
For more information on becoming a Recognised service Provider visit the Living Wage Foundation website
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