More than 300,000 people working for employers who have voluntarily signed up to the Real Living Wage are getting a pay boost of 40p to £9.90 an hour. This is not to be confused with the compulsory National Living Wage, which is currently £8.91 an hour for anyone over the age of 23. Companies already accredited include half of the FTSE 100 and big household names such as Everton Football Club, insurer Aviva, luxury goods brand Burberry and the Nationwide building society. The recommended rate is intended to ensure all staff earn a wage that meets the real cost of living and covers everyday needs. Latest research by the Living Wage Foundation shows that there are still 4.8 million jobs - 17.1% of all employees - still paying less than the Real Living Wage in the UK. Record numbers of employers have been signing up this year because ultimately they want to do the right thing by their workers.
