The real Living Wage is different to the government's minimum wage rate, which for those over the age of 21 , it is a higher, voluntary rate that is independently calculated based solely on the actual cost of living.

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

Katherine Chapman, Living Wage Foundation Director, said: ‘Low paid workers have been hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis and are still struggling to stay afloat amidst persistently high prices.

‘The real Living Wage remains the only UK wage rate calculated based on actual living costs, and the new rates announced today will make a massive difference to almost half a million workers who will see their pay increase.'