The Living Wage Foundation has announced a 6.7% increase to the real Living Wage, which has been welcomed by retail trade union Usdaw.
The uplift makes the new rates for over-18s £13.45 per hour and £14.80 in London.
Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said: “The new real Living Wage rates are a welcome boost for the lowest-paid workers.
“On taking power, Labour changed the remit of the Low Pay Commission, so that they take account of the cost of living and work towards ending rip-off youth rates.
“We call on the Government to again announce a substantial increase in statutory rates to help close the gap with the real Living Wage.”
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She added: “Usdaw is calling for a clear path towards £15 per hour for all workers aged over 18, and we call on employers to take notice of the new rates and negotiate increases in their base pay to reflect the cost of living.
In September, Usdaw urged peers to back the Employment Rights Bill, after the Government rejected all House of Lords amendments to the bill.
The Bill – which includes changes to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave, sick pay and whistleblowing protections for sexual harassment – is likely to become law at the end of this year, with most aspects implemented in 2026 or 2027.
In July, Usdaw boss Paddy Lillis also stepped down from the trade union after more than 30 years.
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