Real Living Wage rates increase for half a million workers

24 Oct 2025

Almost half a million UK workers will receive a pay boost when the Real Living Wage rates rise.

The Real Living Wage will increase to £13.45 an hour across the UK and £14.80 an hour in London.  

The Real Living Wage is different to the government's statutory minimum wage rate, which is called the 'National Living Wage' for those over the age of 21.

The Real Living Wage is a higher, voluntary rate that is independently calculated based solely on what is needed to cover living costs. The government's rate is the legal minimum businesses are required to pay by law.  

Katherine Chapman, Executive Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: 'We all need a wage that covers life's essentials, and the Real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate independently calculated based solely on what is needed to cover rising living costs.

'The new rates . . . will make a massive difference to workers and their families, helping them to better cope with the costs of rent, bills, food and other essentials, and to live with stability and security.'