UK Real living wage increase announced.

The real Living Wage is a voluntary employers' pay scheme that is calculated on the actual cost of living.  Today it was announced today that thousands of workers across the UK will see their hourly rate raised due to an increase in the real living wage. People in London covered by the rate will see their hourly rate rise to £11.95 an hour (increased from £11.05), while those in the rest of the UK will receive £10.90 (increased from £9.90).

The raise originally planned for November has been brought forward in recognition of the sharp rise in living costs. Almost 400,000 people across the UK will benefit from the pay increase.

Employers using the scheme should implement the rate change as soon as possible but they have until 14 May 2023 to do so.

The real living wage is different from the national living wage. The national living wage (or national minimum wage) is set each year by government and based on the recommendations of an independent advisory group, the Low Pay Commission.  The real living wage is a calculation made by campaign group the Living Wage Foundation and is based on cost of living, not just the government minimum.