real living wage rates Low-paid workers across the UK are set to benefit from a 7% rise in the Real Living Wage, marking one of the largest increases in recent years. The new rate will climb to £12.85 an hour nationally and £14.15 in London — reflecting the growing gap between wages and the true cost of living.
The Real Living Wage, promoted by the Living Wage Foundation, is calculated independently each year to reflect everyday costs faced by workers. This rise comes as UK households continue to grapple with persistent inflation, higher rent prices, and soaring food bills.
The Living Wage Foundation estimates that over 500,000 employees will directly benefit from the increase, as more than 14,000 accredited employers have pledged to pay the updated rate.
Campaigners have welcomed the move, calling it a “lifeline” for struggling families, while urging more businesses to join the initiative to ensure fair pay and economic stability for workers nationwide.
