What started as ordinary people coming together to demand fair pay has grown into one of the most successful civil society campaigns of the 21st century.
Today, 4.4 million jobs are paid less than the real Living Wage. In research led by Cardiff Business School, the Living Wage Foundation investigate the knock-on effects if half of those jobs were given a pay rise to the real Living Wage.
Already, almost half a million people in work are paid a real Living Wage because their employer has joined the Living Wage campaign, with more than £4 billion put back into workers’ pockets as a result. This report explores the wider economic effects of paying more people a decent wage.
Across the UK, if half of low paid jobs were given a pay rise to the real Living Wage, the total economic dividend could be over £1.6 billion in 2026. Every area of the UK would benefit, with some areas – those with a higher share of low paid jobs today, and those in London where the London Living Wage provides a bigger pay rise – seeing the biggest impacts.
In Wales, we have been championing the Living Wage for almost 10 years and there are now over 630 accredited Living Wage employers across the country who are all part of a powerful and successful movement that ensures workers earn enough to meet the cost of living. Every accredited employer contributes to this mission, whether by increasing wages, publicly championing the real Living Wage or leading by example and inspiring others through their accreditation.
This report reflects on 25 years of progress. It includes testimony from employers and employees, important milestones and statistics. It also looks to the future and shares hopes and ideas for expanding the world of good work and creating a society where no one faces in-work or post-work poverty.
Join us in celebrating 25 years of progress and read the report.
