Real living wage to rise by almost 7% in boost for low-paid UK workers

"Almost half a million workers are to receive a pay boost after it was announced that the real living wage paid voluntarily by 16,000 UK companies will rise to 13.45 an hour in April. Distinct from the national living wage, which is a statutory minimum, the real living wage is calculated each year based on the cost of essentials, and is paid by more than half of the companies in the FTSE 100."

"The real living wage will rise to 13.45 an hour nationwide from April an increase of 85p an hour, or 6.7%. In London, it will go up 95p, or 6.9%, to 14.80 an hour. Recent research by the Living Wage Foundation, which calculates the rates each year, found that 42% of the UK's low-paid workers had resorted to using food banks over the last 12 months."

Almost half a million workers will receive a pay boost when the real living wage rises to £13.45 an hour nationwide from April. The rate is paid voluntarily by about 16,000 UK employers and by more than half of FTSE 100 companies. The real living wage is calculated annually based on the cost of essentials and is distinct from the statutory national living wage. The increase is 85p an hour (6.7%) nationally and 95p (6.9%) in London, taking London to £14.80. Research by the Living Wage Foundation found 42% of low-paid workers used food banks in the past year. Some employers also commit to minimum hours and predictable shifts.

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