Real Living Wage has Increased

The Living Wage Foundation has announced a rise in the Real Living Wage: 

The Real Living Wage has increased by 6.7% across the UK and 6.9% in London. This increase means that from now, it iss set at £13.45 per hour across the UK and £14.80 per hour in London.

This is good news for more than 490,000 employees working for the 16,000 employers who have signed up to pay the Real Living Wage! These employers now have six months to implement the new rates, with the deadline set for 1 May 2026.

Unlike the government’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW), which are legal minimums, the Real Living Wage is of course independently calculated by the Living Wage Foundation to reflect the actual cost of living, covering essentials like rent, energy, and food.

Meanwhile, the Low Pay Commission is expected to present its recommendations for the 2026 National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage to the government in the coming week. The new statutory rates, which apply from April 2026, are likely to be revealed just before the budget on 26 November.

To mark the new rates and celebrate employers committed to fair pay, the Living Wage Foundation will host Living Wage Week from 10–16 November 2025. The week will shine a spotlight on organisations across the UK that go the extra mile to ensure their employees earn enough to live, not just survive.