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.
Before being formally accredited as Living Wage employer, the University of Cambridge voluntarily has 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
Legal status: statutory
Set by: UK Government
Ages covered: up to 20 years
Current rate: Under 18 - £7.55 per hour, 18-20 years - £10 per hour
Applies to: Employees and workers
Excludes: Apprentices**, interns, contractors and sub-contractors
National Living Wage
Legal status: Statutory
Set by: UK Government
Ages covered: 21 years and over
Current rate: £12.21 per hour
Applies to: Employees and workers
Excludes: Apprentices**, interns, contractors and sub-contractors
Real Living Wage (post full accreditation)
Legal status: Voluntary
Set by: Living Wage Foundation
Ages covered: 18 years and over
Current rate: £12.60 per hour*
Applies to: Employees, workers, contractors and sub-contractors
Excludes: Apprentices and interns
* Employers have up to six months the implement the prevailing RLW rate following the announcement by the LWF.
**During the first year of the apprenticeship, after the first year the relevant age related rate applies.