Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, has announced a raise in the Living Wage for the capital to £7.45 per hour - 35% higher than the national minimum wage set by the Government.
The Living Wage, previously £7.20 per hour, is calculated to be a minimum appropriate payment for any worker and recognises the particularly high and rising costs of living in the capital. It is not compulsory but employers are encouraged to match the commitment.
The new figure will be paid to all staff who are part of the Greater London Authority - and also to all new contractors as soon as possible.
Ealing Council has committed to introducing the rate in key contracts – including the catering operation run by Harrison Catering Services - is one of 27 employers that have signed up pay their staff the London Living Wage.
Johnson said: “There is too much poverty and deprivation and one way I can keep an election promise to tackle it is to raise the London Living Wage and step up the campaign to persuade London employers to match my commitment to ensure all GLA Group employees and contractors receive at least £7.45 per hour.”
During his Mayoral campaign, Johnson vowed that only hotels and restaurants that were Living Wage employers would be promoted by Visit London and tourist guides ahead of the Olympics.
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By Daniel Thomas
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