Almost 500,000 workers are in line for a salary increase following the announcement of a rise in the Real Living Wage.
The Real Living Wage, a voluntary pay rate for employees aged 18 and above, is applicable to workers whose employers are registered with the Living Wage Foundation.
This wage is determined based on the cost of essential items like food, clothing, and household expenses.
The hourly wage will climb by 85p to £13.45 per hour, reflecting a 6.7% increase, and by 95p to £14.80 per hour in London, a boost of 6.9%. These figures surpass the legal minimum wage.
The Real Living Wage is applicable to all employees over 18 working for a Real Living Wage-certified employer, with over 16,000 such employers currently in place.
This year’s increment signifies that a full-time worker earning the Real Living Wage will pocket £2,418 more annually than someone on the minimum wage, and £5,050 more in London, according to the Living Wage Foundation.
Katherine Chapman, the executive director of the Living Wage Foundation, emphasized the importance of a wage that covers essential living expenses and commended the positive impact of the new rates on workers and their families.
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea stressed the significance of fair pay to prevent workers from falling into poverty and urged the government to ensure public service workers receive decent wages.
McAnea also highlighted concerns about NHS staff falling further behind the Real Living Wage rate, potentially leading to staff shortages in crucial roles within the healthcare sector.
In conclusion, the Real Living Wage increase aims to provide better financial stability for workers and their families, emphasizing the importance of fair wages in improving overall well-being.