If you are one of the roughly 7,000 employers across the UK who is accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, then you ought to be aware that the ‘Real Living Wage’ has increased by 20 pence to £9.50 per hour for workers outside of London. Those employed within London are now entitled to £10.85 per hour.
It’s important to remember that the ‘Real Living Wage’, which is promoted by the Living Wage Foundation, should not be confused with the so-called ‘National Living Wage’, which is the statutory minimum wage payable to those employees aged 25 and over. Many argue that the ‘National Living Wage’ is not a living wage at all, especially in London and the South East. The ‘National Living Wage’ is only £8.72 per hour, despite promises made by former Chancellor, George Osborne, that the rate would be increased to a minimum of £9.00 per hour by 2020.
If you would like to know more about the Real Living Wage, why not have a look on the Living Wage Foundation’s website at https://www.livingwage.org.uk/what-real-living-wage