Real Living Wage Set to Jump 10% – Raising Income Is No Debate

Real Living Wage Gets a 10% Boost

The Living Wage Foundation announced a 10% rise in the real living wage, taking it to £12 an hour outside London and £13.15 in the capital. That’s a sweet extra £1.20 for Londoners, while those working elsewhere will see an extra £0.20 per hour.

Why the hike?

The boost is a direct response to the “persistently high costs” that low‑paid workers face. Even after inflation starts easing, many still struggle because food and energy make up a big chunk of their budgets.

The Numbers in a Nutshell

Full‑time worker earns an additional £3,081 per year outside London.
Full‑time worker earns an additional £5,323 per year in London.
About 460,000 people will benefit from the increase.

Voices from the Field

Katherine Chapman (Living Wage Foundation): “Low‑paid workers still feel the pinch even as prices calm. The new rates are a lifeline for those 460,000 folks.”
Christina McAnea (Unison): “Good news for many, but a reminder that a lot of essential public service workers—care workers, NHS porters, cleaners—still stay below the new threshold. The government must step up the minimum wage to help them survive the cost‑of‑living squeeze.”
Tristan Thomas (Packfleet): “The Real Living Wage lives up to its promise: wages rise with real‑world costs. It’s a win for our drivers and a morale boost for the whole team. While some companies cut corners on pay, we’re building tech that actually cuts delivery costs—no more sad, underpaid drivers.”

Why It Matters

With the increased wage, workers get more than just a paycheck—they get less stress, better financial security, and a sense that their everyday costs are being weighed fairly. That “fairness” feeds back into higher motivation and service quality for everyone.