Real Living Wage rises by record 10.1% in UK


SOPHIE SMITH
22 SEPTEMBER 2022

The Real Living Wage has increased 10.1% in the UK amid the cost-of-living crisis, with over 390,000 workers set for a pay boost at over 11,000 Living Wage employers.

The new Living Wage rates have risen by £1 to £10.90 per hour across the UK and by 90p to £11.95 per hour in London.

The rates are now worth £2,730 more per year in the UK than the minimum wage, and £4,777.50 more in London.

The real Living Wage rates remain the only wage rates independently calculated based on what people need to live on. This year the rate increased by 10.1% in the UK, more than ever in the Living Wage Foundation’s 11-year history reflecting sharp increases in living costs.

It is higher than the Government-set National Living Wage, which is currently £9.50 per hour for those over 23.

The number of Real Living Wage-accredited employers has doubled to 11,000 in the past two years and includes companies such as Burberry, Mulberry, Lush, Elemis and L'Occitane.

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.”