The Living Wage Foundation's ‘Real Living Wage’ campaign

Abstract

The Living Wage campaign is based on the belief that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. In the 20 years since the campaign started, over 250,000 people have had their wages uplifted as a direct result of the Living Wage movement. For each of these people, the increase to the real Living Wage means the difference between struggling to keep the heating on and being able to afford to put food on the table. This chapter provides a history of the campaign for the real Living Wage before going on to give an overview of the Living Wage Foundation’s work to increase the number of workers who are paid a wage that meets the cost of living. It outlines the work of the Foundation in different sectors and industries. It goes on to explain how the Foundation is building on progress to promote the Living Wage globally as well as deepening its impact with employers in the UK to tackle insecure work and underemployment.