Real Living Wage (RLW)
Following a formal application to the Living Wage Foundation (LWF), the University of Cambridge has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer.
Prior to being formally accredited as Living Wage employer, the University of Cambridge voluntarily paid the RLW to direct employees since 1st August 2014.
The RLW is an hourly rate of pay set independently by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF) and usually updated annually. The rate is calculated annually by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission, and is based on the best available evidence about living standards in London and the UK (https://www.livingwage.org.uk/calculation). The RLW was previously known as the Voluntary Living Wage (VLF).
The Living Wage Foundation has more detail on the current and historical RLW rates.
For any queries on the RLW please contact the HR Reward team (hrreward@admin.cam.ac.uk)
Explaining UK and Real Living Wage rates
|
|
National Minimum Wage |
National Living Wage |
Real Living Wage (post full accreditation) |
|
Legal status |
Statutory |
Statutory |
Voluntary |
|
Set by |
Government |
Government |
Living Wage Foundation |
|
Ages covered |
Ages up to 20 |
21 and over |
18 and over |
|
Current rate |
Under 18 - £6.40 18 to 20 - £8.60 |
£11.44 |
£12.60** |
|
Applies to |
Employees,
Workers |
Employees,
Workers |
Employees,
Workers Contractors/ sub contractors |
|
Any exclusions |
Apprentices*, Interns, contractors/ sub contractors |
Apprentices*, Interns, contractors/ sub contractors |
Apprentices and Interns |
*During the first year of the apprenticeship, after the first year the relevant age related rate applies.
** Employers have up to six months the implement the prevailing RLW rate following the announcement by the LWF.