The Living Wage Foundation has announced a new rate of £9.50 per hour for the ‘real’ Living Wage.
The 20p rise means the rate is now 78p more than the Government’s National Living Wage, which is currently £8.72 for those aged 25 and over. A lower rate applies for younger workers.
Retail trade union leader Paddy Lillis (pictured) welcomed the increase in Living Wage rates but called for at least £10 per hour for workers of all ages.
The Usdaw General Secretary said the new rate “clearly shows that the Government’s so-called ‘National Living Wage’ is nothing of the sort.
“We are expecting the Low Pay Commission to announce their recommendations for next year’s minimum wage rates anytime soon and we hope they will follow the example of the Living wage Foundation.
“Usdaw is calling for a rise in line with the commitment to two-thirds of median earnings, which should be seen as the minimum required to recognise the outstanding contributions of our key workers.”
