Invisible Worker: Who calculates the Living Wage?

This episode is around the Real Living Wage. It is the only UK wage rate based on the cost of living. It is voluntarily paid by over 14,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets everyday needs - and our guest is the person who calculates this very figure.

We'll delve into the critical distinction between the government's National Living Wage and the Real Living Wage, emphasising the importance of a wage that truly reflects the actual cost of living. We'll explore the methodology behind calculating the Real Living Wage, considering factors like housing, food, and transportation costs. We'll discuss the positive impact of businesses adopting the Real Living Wage, not only for their employees but also for the wider economy, and how it contributes to reducing in-work poverty. Furthermore, we'll examine the challenges faced by low-income workers in today's economic climate, and the role of the Real Living Wage in addressing these challenges. We'll also discuss the ongoing efforts to expand the reach of the Real Living Wage and encourage more businesses to adopt it, highlighting the importance of fair pay in creating a more equitable and sustainable society. This episode aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Real Living Wage and its significance in improving the lives of low-paid workers.

Nye Cominetti is the Principal Economist at the Resolution Foundation, an independent think-tank who do fantastic work on improving the living standards for those on low to middle incomes. Nye’s work is dedicated to making pay fairer for these workers. He authors the annual ‘Low Pay Britain’ report, as well as several other papers which dive into the lives, challenges and experiences of low-paid workers in the UK. He is also the man who leads on calculating the Real Living Wage, which has raised the standard of pay in so many businesses across the country.