Staff at accredited Real Living Wage care home operators are set for a pay boost from today thanks to a 10% increase to £12 in the UK and £13.15 in London.

Unlike the government’s  National Living Wage of £10.42 for over 23s, the Real Living Wage is the only wage rate independently calculated based on rising living costs and applies to everyone over 18.

Over 460,000 people working for 14,000 real Living Wage Employers, including care home operators,  throughout the country are set for the vital cost-of-living pay boost.

Katherine Chapman, Living Wage Foundation director, said: “As inflation eases, we cannot forget that low paid workers remain at the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis. Low paid workers continue to struggle with stubbornly high prices because they spend a larger share of their budget on food and energy. These new Real Living Wage rates are a lifeline for the 460,000 workers who will get a pay rise

“During these tough economic times, it is heartening that record numbers of employers are signing up to join the Living Wage movement, protecting everyone who works for them from rising prices and seeing the benefits of a more motivated and engaged workforce. The Real Living Wage has never been more important and we encourage those who can to join the 14,000 Living Wage employers across the UK who are committed to always pay a wage that covers the cost of living.”

Lisa Lock, chief people’s officer at Real Living Wage care home operator Kingsley Healthcare, said: “We are fully committed to the Real Living Wage because it allows us to support our hard-working and dedicated teams.

An Anchor spokesperson said: “We welcome the announcement by the Living Wage Foundation. Anchor is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and are committed to providing competitive rates of pay and great benefits for all our colleagues. We became the first large provider in England to move to paying the Real Living Wage.”

“It recognises the wide-ranging skills and dedication that is required in a difficult and challenging role.”

Natalie Grayson, GMB national officer, said: “We welcome any move to get more money in our members pockets.

“But the Real Living Wage is an optional extra and with a majority of private care companies continue to pay only a basic minimum wage – while profiteering from taxpayers. 

“With more than 150,000 vacancies, we can only tackle the staffing crisis in care by forcing a minimum rate of £15 an hour for workers.

“We also need real benefits like paid sick leave and ensuring decent and affordable pensions for those who care for our loved ones.”