The Living Wage rates, as set by the Living Wage Foundation, were raised earlier this week to £8.45 an hour and a higher rate of £9.75 in London. This contrasts with the Government’s National Living Wage rate of £7.20 payable to over 25s.
 
John Hannett – Usdaw General Secretary said: “The Government’s National Living Wage rate of £7.20 has provided an increase for some of the lowest paid workers, but it is not calculated according to what workers and their families need to live. It is simply a legal minimum payable to over 25s, sitting alongside the National Minimum Wage for younger workers.
 
“We expect decent employers to be looking beyond statutory basic rates of pay and that is why we welcome the input of the Living Wage Foundation. Their Living Wage rates are properly researched and reflect the hourly rate workers need to help make ends meet and provide a good benchmark for the pay bargaining agenda.
 
“Hourly rates are only one part of the picture. It’s important to look at all aspects of the pay package and availability of hours, to help provide workers with a weekly income they can live on.
 
“That’s why we have just launched a survey of our members to find out more about their views and experiences on the implementation of the Government’s National Living Wage.
 
“Strong collective bargaining and a real focus from employers on this issue is required if we are to make real progress in improving living standards.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 435,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 10% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion.