The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate that is voluntarily paid by nearly 7,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets everyday needs; the weekly shop, or a suprise trip to the dentist. Our employers voluntarily pay the real Living Wage - they also make sure all their employees in London receive the London Living Wage.
Over 250,000 employees have received a pay rise as a result of the Living Wage campaign and we enjoy cross-party support. We have a broad range of employers accredited with the Foundation including 2/5 of the FTSE 100 and big household names including Nationwide, Google, Brewdog, Everton FC and Chelsea FC.
The rates for 2020/21 will be announced on Monday 9th November 2020. Employers should implement the rise as soon as possible and within 6 months. All employees should receive the new rate by 9th May the following year.
Do i earn the real Living Wage?
In April 2016 the government introduced a higher minimum wage rate for all staff over 25 years of age inspired by the Living Wage campaign - even calling it the ‘national living wage’.
However, this wage is not calculated according to what employees and their families need to live. Instead, it is based on a target to reach 66% of median earnings by 2024. Under current forecasts this means a rise to £10.50 per hour by 2024. For under 25s, the minimum wage rates also take into account affordability for employers.
The real Living Wage rates are higher because they are independently-calculated based on what people need to get by. That's why we encourage all employers that can afford to do so to ensure their employees earn a wage that meets the costs of living, not just the government minimum.
Become a Living Wage Employer
Who pays it?
There are nearly 7,000 accredited Living Wage Employers including 2/5 of the FTSE 100 and big household names like Aviva, ITV and Everton FC.