A real living wage for the real world?

East Cambridgeshire Labour welcomes 10% rise in the real living wage - but says more Cambridgeshire employers should pay it

The voluntary Real Living Wage is to increase by 10% to reflect the ongoing cost-of-living crisis for workers. The Living Wage Foundation said its rates will increase to £12 an hour outside London - a rise of £1.10.

The voluntary rate, which applies to everyone over the age of 18, is higher than the government's statutory National Living Wage for over-23s (currently £10.42 an hour).

East Cambridgeshire Labour’s Local Government Spokesperson Elizabeth McWilliams, said:

“The cost of living crisis is far from over. More than two in five low-paid workers say they regularly use a food bank and almost as many report falling behind on household bills."

“The government's minimum wage is not enough - so it’s vital that Cambridgeshire employers (especially those in the public sector) consider becoming accredited Real Living Wage employers. We commend those that have taken this step - like Cambridge City Council - and we call on both South and East Cambs District Councils to do the same. Low paid staff delivering contracted-out services to councils are particularly at risk."

“Local authorities should lead by example when it comes to pay, terms and conditions - and gaining Real Living Wage accreditation sends a positive message to employers across the whole county, creating a positive ripple effect via their procurement processes."

“It was the last Labour government that first delivered a national minimum wage in 1998 - and an incoming Labour government would introduce a new ‘genuine living wage’ that takes into account the real cost of living, if Labour wins the next general election.”