New Pay Rates
| Location | Old Rate | New Rate | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (outside London) | £12.60/hr | £13.45/hr | +£0.85/hr |
| London | £13.85/hr | £14.80/hr | +£0.95/hr |
Quick tip: Use our Living Wage Calculator to see exactly what this means for you.
Who Gets the Boost?
- All workers aged 18+
- Paid by accredited employers like IKEA, Uniqlo, Aviva
- Around 500,000 workers will see their pay go up immediately
Clickable tip: Check if your employer is Real Living Wage accredited so you can claim your rise.
Extra Money in Your Pocket
Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
Outside London
- Old weekly pay: £472.50
- New weekly pay: £503.44
- Extra per week: £30.94
- Extra per year: £1,608
London
- Old weekly pay: £519.38
- New weekly pay: £555
- Extra per week: £35.62
- Extra per year: £1,851
This could cover a few extra grocery trips, a family night out, or help with rising energy bills.
Why It Matters
Inflation is hovering around 3.8%, which means every extra pound counts. This pay rise actually puts more money in your pocket, instead of just keeping up with rising prices.
- Cut down on food bank visits
- Keep on top of bills
- Feel less stressed about money
Tip: Combine this pay boost with our budgeting tips to stretch your income further.
Families Will Feel the Difference
For households with kids, every extra £30–£36 per week adds up. It could mean:
- More meals at the table
- Keeping kids active with clubs or hobbies
- Covering unexpected bills without panic
When Employers Must Act
Employers have until 1 May 2026 to roll out the new rates, but the sooner, the better. Workers feel the benefit immediately, which is vital as energy and living costs keep rising.
Quick tip: Ask HR when your new pay will take effect so you can plan ahead.
Bottom Line
This increase isn’t just numbers on a pay slip—it’s real cash for families who need it most. It helps cover costs, reduces stress, and gives workers more breathing room each week.
Next steps: Check out our weekly money-saving tips to make the most of your pay rise.
