Nearly half a million UK workers are set to receive a welcome pay rise following the announcement of new rates for the voluntary real living wage. The Living Wage Foundation confirmed that from today, accredited employers will increase hourly pay to £13.45 across the UK — an 85p rise, representing a 6.7 per cent uplift — and to £14.80 in London, marking a 95p or 6.9 per cent increase.
These new rates are set to make a significant difference to household incomes. According to the Living Wage Foundation, a full-time worker earning the real living wage will now take home £2,418 more per year than someone on the UK Government’s minimum wage, while those working in London will see an annual advantage of £5,050.
The number of employers voluntarily signing up to the real living wage scheme continues to grow, with more than 16,000 accredited organisations now on record — including nearly 2,500 new employers added in the past year alone. These businesses have pledged to pay all staff, including third-party contractors such as cleaners and security personnel, at least the real living wage rate.
One in seven UK workers now works for an accredited real living wage employer, highlighting a notable shift in how businesses across the country are recognising the true cost of living.
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.”
She continued:
“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 ongoing challenges in the wider economy, the expansion of the real living wage movement demonstrates that fairness and business success can coexist. Employers adopting these rates are proving that ethical pay practices can strengthen staff retention, boost morale, and contribute to a healthier society overall.
A full list of accredited employers can be found on the Living Wage Foundation’s website.
As always, we will continue to back all measures that support the UK’s working population. The cost of living crisis has placed immense strain on households, but progress like this provides hope that employers, large and small, are willing to take action. Fair pay isn’t just a moral choice — it’s a sustainable investment in the people who power our nation.
At The Workers Union, we fully support this move. It’s a clear sign that the landscape for UK workers is evolving in the right direction — towards fairer pay and greater financial stability.
As more employers commit to the real living wage, it signals a shift towards a more inclusive and supportive working environment across the UK. The Workers Union will continue to champion initiatives that help workers achieve financial stability, personal growth, and professional dignity whilst protecting their rights.
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