The UK "living wage" - an hourly rate
based on the amount needed to cover the basic costs of living - has been raised
by 20p to £7.85.
The voluntary wage - set by the Living Wage Foundation - is now 21% higher than the compulsory National Minimum Wage, which is currently £6.50 an hour.
The rate in London will rise from £8.80 an hour to £9.15, the mayor, Boris Johnson, announced.
My thanks to the growing number of businesses in the North East who are paying the living wage. My views on this can be seen in more detail here: http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2013/08/guy-opperman-conservative-case-living-wage
