Businesses have until May 2025 to register as a real living wage employer, but what are the benefits and costs, asks Stacie Cheadle, Croner-i technical writer
The start of April saw the implementation of the new compulsory statutory rates for the 2025/2026 year. Everything from minimum wage rates to statutory sick pay and family-related leave pay increased. At the same time, there was a voluntary rate change with the increase to the real living wage that will affect many employers across the UK.
My client is in the retail industry and has several outlets in the local area. They pride themselves on excellent customer service, and after seeing a notice that employers accredited by the Living Wage Foundation have until 1 May 2025 to increase pay to the real living wage, they are interested in becoming a real living wage employer.
