Real Living Wage rises to £14.10 as half a million UK workers gain pay rises

What's Changed

Half a million workers are set for a pay boost worth over £1,250 a year as nearly 17,000 employers are signed up to pay the real Living Wage, including IKEA, Uniqlo and Everton FC. The announcement came on 15 October 2026, marking a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the Living Wage campaign, which began with low-paid workers organising for higher wages in east London, and has generated almost £5 billion in pay increases for workers since it began.

The Living Wage rates for 2026-27 were announced on 15 October 2026, and employers now have 6 months to implement them by 1 May 2027.

Who This Affects

Half the FTSE 100 are accredited Living Wage Employers – big names like Aviva, IKEA and LUSH – as are thousands of small and medium sized businesses. One in seven UK employees works for a Living Wage Employer.

Importantly, the Real Living Wage is voluntary – accredited employers commit to paying it, but an employer that does not is breaking no law as long as it meets the statutory minimum for the worker's age band. This differs from the statutory National Living Wage (£12.71 for ages 21+), which is legally enforceable.

If you are a low-wage worker in the UK or planning to take a job in hospitality, retail, care or other sectors where the Living Wage Employers scheme is widespread, check whether your employer is accredited (searchable on livingwage.org.uk). If so, you may be entitled to the higher voluntary rate by May 2027. If your employer is not accredited, you are entitled only to the statutory National Living Wage, which is lower.

Sources

• Living Wage Foundation — Real Living Wage Increases to £14.10
• HR Review — Real Living Wage rises to £14.10