Starting today, almost 400,000 workers will receive a pay boost after the government brought forward increases to the voluntary Real Living Wage.
Hourly rates across the UK are rising by £1 from £9.90 to £10.90 while it will increase by 90p -from £11.05 t0 £11.95 - in London. While the new rates are usually announced in November, it has been brought forward due to the severity of the cost of living crisis.
The rate will be payable to anyone over the age of 18 - constituting around 390,000 workers. The wage will be based on what a full-time worker and their family require to make ends meet and factors in costs of food, clothing, and the average household bills, the Mirror reports.
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It is separate from the National Living Wage - which currently stands at £9.50 and is for anyone aged 23 and over.
Here's a breakdown of some of the current big companies that pay the Real Living Wage:
- Aviva
- Lush
- Everton Football Club
- EDF Energy
-
Royal Albert Hall
-
Aston University
-
ExCel Centre
- Burberry
- Ikea
- KPMG
- Oxfam
- Nestle
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."
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: "Low-paid workers are crying out for help. The Government must follow the foundation's lead and bring forward an increase to the national minimum wage without delay.
"Waiting until April would be foolish. Ensuring everyone is paid at least £15 an hour would be a lifeline for millions barely coping with eyewatering household costs.
"Rather than boosting bankers' bonuses, the Government should concentrate on those feeling genuine financial pain."
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