Real Living Wage 2026–27 Rises to £14.10 an Hour
The Real Living Wage for 2026–27 has increased to £14.10 an hour outside London and £15.45 an hour in London. The Living Wage Foundation announced the new rates on 15th October 2026. This is a voluntary rate based on living costs, not the legal minimum wage.
What are the new Real Living Wage rates for 2026–27?
The Living Wage Foundation has set the rate at £14.10 an hour outside London and £15.45 an hour in London. Both rates have risen by 65p compared with the previous year.
The London rate applies across Greater London. The rates are calculated by the Resolution Foundation on behalf of the Living Wage Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission. The methodology considers the cost of living and what people need for a minimum acceptable standard of living.
When must employers introduce the new rates?
The Living Wage Foundation asks accredited employers to implement the new rates as soon as possible and by 1st May 2027 at the latest. Accredited employers must also inform staff of the new rates within one month of the announcement.
This timetable is part of the Foundation’s accreditation scheme. It is not a new legal deadline for every employer in the UK. Employers that are not accredited do not have to pay the Real Living Wage unless they have separately agreed to do so, for example through an employment contract.
Who gets the Real Living Wage?
The Real Living Wage is voluntary. Who is covered depends on the employer’s accreditation and the type of work involved. The guide below explains the main situations.
Coverage can depend on the employment arrangement. If you are unsure about your role, check the employer’s commitment in the Living Wage Foundation FAQs or ask your employer.
If your employer is not accredited, you do not automatically have a right to £14.10 an hour. Your legal entitlement is to at least the statutory minimum wage that applies to you, unless your contract promises more.
Real Living Wage vs the legal minimum wage
The terms can be confusing because “Living Wage” is used in different ways. The Real Living Wage is the voluntary rate calculated by the Living Wage Foundation using living costs. The National Living Wage is the UK Government’s legal minimum rate for workers aged 21 and over. The National Minimum Wage is the legal minimum for younger eligible workers and some apprentices. Employers must pay the correct statutory rate, even if they are not accredited to pay the Real Living Wage.
How can I find an accredited Real Living Wage employer?
If you are looking for work with an employer that has committed to paying the Real Living Wage, use the Living Wage Foundation’s directory of accredited employers.
Accreditation does not mean every vacancy or employment arrangement is necessarily covered. Check the pay and terms for the specific role.
What should I do if I think I am underpaid?
- Check your hourly rate on your payslip and employment contract.
- Check the statutory rate that applies to your age and circumstances using the official GOV.UK guidance or minimum wage calculator.
- If your employer has promised to pay the Real Living Wage, or is accredited, check the relevant commitment and ask HR or payroll about the rate you should receive.
- If you think your pay is below the legal minimum, compare it with the relevant statutory rate and eligibility rules.
Important: being paid below the Real Living Wage does not automatically mean your employer is breaking the law. Check the statutory minimum that applies to your age and circumstances first. If you think you are being paid below the legal minimum, contact Acas or check the GOV.UK minimum wage guidance. If your employer has promised the Real Living Wage, ask them to explain how the commitment applies to your role.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Real Living Wage compulsory?
No. It is voluntary unless an employer has committed to it through accreditation or another agreement. Statutory minimum wage rates are legal requirements.
Does everyone in the UK have to be paid £14.10 an hour?
No. The rate applies to workers covered by a Real Living Wage commitment. Other workers must receive at least the statutory minimum wage that applies to them.
Does the Real Living Wage apply to part-time workers?
Yes. Under the Living Wage Foundation’s accreditation commitment, directly employed staff aged 18 and over are covered regardless of whether they work full-time or part-time. Check with your employer if you are unsure whether your particular role is covered.
What is the London Real Living Wage for 2026–27?
It is £15.45 an hour across Greater London. The UK rate outside London is £14.10 an hour.
What is the difference between the Real Living Wage and the National Living Wage?
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate based on living costs and is £14.10 an hour outside London in 2026–27. The National Living Wage is a legal minimum set by the UK Government and is £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over from 1st April 2026.
What is the National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20 year olds in 2026?
It is £10.85 an hour from 1st April 2026. The rate for workers under 18 and eligible apprentices is £8.00 an hour. The rate you are entitled to depends on your age and, for apprentices, whether you meet the apprentice-rate rules.
Can my employer pay less than the Real Living Wage?
It depends on whether your employer has committed to paying the Real Living Wage and whether your role is covered. If you are not covered by that commitment, your employer must still pay at least the legal minimum wage that applies to you. If you believe a contract or accreditation commitment entitles you to more, ask HR or payroll to clarify your rate.
Is the Real Living Wage the same as the UK living wage?
People often use “living wage” as a general phrase for pay intended to cover living costs. In this article, “Real Living Wage” means the specific voluntary rates set by the Living Wage Foundation: £14.10 outside London and £15.45 in London for 2026–27. It is not the same as the Government’s National Living Wage.
How much is the Real Living Wage per year?
There is no single annual salary figure because total earnings depend on hours worked. The illustration above uses 37.5 paid hours a week over 52 weeks and shows gross pay before tax and other deductions.
This article provides general information about wage rates. For advice about your own pay or employment circumstances, check the official guidance or contact Acas.
