To gain recognition, the ICS will work with the Living Wage Foundation to create and deliver a three-year action plan to increase the uptake of Living Wage accreditation in their area and meet with the organisation quarterly for support and to monitor progress.

The Living Wage Foundation said: ‘This is an opportunity to engage providers in the sector at ICS level, linking their targets for reducing health inequalities and improving public health with the impacts of Living Wage implementation.

‘This recognition would help ICSs to deliver on targets tackling health inequalities and working more closely with other anchor institutions at a place-based level.

‘The benefits of paying the real Living Wage extend beyond fairness and dignity for the individual worker – it is an investment in the sector and the wider economy.'

There are now more than 15,000 Living Wage Employers, which includes 80 accredited NHS organisations, including 22 accredited trusts and health boards.