The Living Wage Foundation has announced the rLW rates from April 2026

The University proudly became an Accredited real Living Wage employer in 2021. As a University for Public Good, we are committed to supporting our community through paying all our employees a wage that meets every day needs and goes above the government's minimum wage.

Increase to the Living Wage rate

The Living Wage Foundation confirmed on 22 October 2025 a significant increase in the real Living Wage. Member employers have 6 months to apply this increase and the University plans to do this in April 2026 in line with our usual approach.

The Real Living wage rate is currently £12.60 and will increase to £13.45.

As an accredited employer, we support this increase and commit to implementing it as soon as it comes into effect. We know this will impact our grade 1 and grade 2 pay rates and will be working with our Trade Unions over the coming months on the details of the increase and what this will mean for our staff. We will share more information as soon as we can.