The London Living Wage
What is the London Living Wage?
The London Living Wage is an hourly rate of pay, currently set at £13.85. It is calculated to each year to reflect the true cost of living in the capital – covering the essentials that workers and their families need to live with dignity, security and stability.
Why it matters in Ealing
Ealing Council is proud to support local organisations that do the right thing by paying their staff the London Living Wage (LLW). Whether you’re already accredited or just getting started, there’s a wide range of support available to help you grow your organisation, boost your reputation and invest in your team.
By supporting more employers to adopt the London Living Wage, we’re helping to build a fairer, more inclusive local economy – one where residents are paid fairly for their work and have greater financial stability.
Benefits of accreditation
94% of accredited businesses reported benefits from paying their employees the LLW. If you become accredited with the Living Wage Foundation, you will:
• Attract and retain great staff – paying the LLW helps improve recruitment and reduces staff turnover.
• Enhance your reputation – demonstrate that your business is ethical, forward-thinking and values its workforce.
• Unlock exclusive support – accredited employers in Ealing get access to a tailored package of free services and funding.
Support available from Ealing Council
1. Full coverage of your first-year accreditation fees
We will pay your accreditation fee with the Living Wage Foundation:
• If you pay business rates: we will refund your fee through the business rates team, follow this link for more information: Apply for the discount for businesses paying the London Living Wage | London Living Wage business rate discount | Ealing Council
• If you do not pay business rates: we will pay your invoice directly.
2. Free business support services
Get practical, expert help to strengthen your business, on:
• Business planning
• HR, marketing and operations advice
• Group workshops and one-to-one sessions
To book or enquire about upcoming sessions, email: invest@ealing.gov.uk
3. Free recruitment support from Work Ealing
Advertise roles, get help with job descriptions and access recruitment services at no cost.
Learn more at: www.workealing.com
4. Free staff training and development
In partnership with West London College, we are offering fully funded training courses in:
• Leadership & management
• Customer service and communication
• Digital marketing
• Food safety, first aid and health & safety
• Equality diversity and safeguarding
To find out more and book, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-staff-training-for-london-living-wage-employers-in-ealing-tickets-1345555034329
5. Dedicated support from Ealing Council:
If you need help accessing council services, information or local business networks, we can connect you with a dedicated business buddy.
To get started, email: invest@ealing.gov.uk
6. Free promotional opportunities to showcase your business
Including participation in our annual Ealing London Living Wage Employer Awards and your logo included on our Wall of Fame.
How to get accredited
Becoming a London Living Wage accredited employer is simple – and a powerful way to show your commitment to fair pay.
The process:
1. Commit to paying all directly employed staff the London living wage (£13.85 in London)
2. Complete a short application with the Living Wage Foundation
Once accredited you will join a network of responsible employers and gain access to a range of benefits.
Need support?
Ealing Council can help you through the process – email: invest@ealing.gov.uk
Ready to get started?
Applied via the living wage foundation: Accredit | Living Wage Foundation
Upcoming events and training
Click here for more information and to book on the free staff training: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-staff-training-for-london-living-wage-employers-in-ealing-tickets-1345555034329
News and success stories from local employers
• Ealing becomes a Living Wage Place | Ealing Council
• Celebrating employers who pay fairly – Around Ealing
• Invest in your staff: pay the London Living Wage – Around Ealing
• Be on the right track: pay the London Living Wage – Around Ealing
• The London Living Wage is good for business – Around Ealing
• VMI is Accredited Living Wage Employer for 7 Years
• AWTG Celebrates Ealing’s Living Wage Commitment…
Frequently asked questions:
Q. What is the difference between the London Living Wage (or Real Living Wage in other regions) and the Government’s ‘National Living Wage’?
A. The London Living Wage is independently calculated based on the cost of living and voluntarily paid by over 15,000 employers in the UK. The Government’s National Living Wage (also known as The Minimum Wage), is separate to the London Living Wage rate. Unlike the Living Wage Foundations London Living Wage rate the National Living Wage is not independently calculated according to the cost of living and is therefore lower than what people need to afford a decent standard of living.
Q. Am I required to pay the London Living Wage to volunteers and apprentices?
A. Accredited businesses are not required to pay volunteers and apprenticeships the London Living Wage.
Q. Can I still use zero hours contracts and be a Living Wage Employer?
A. Yes, but only if you meet the Living Wage Foundation’s standards for fair treatment. This means any staff on zero hours contracts must receive the London Living Wage for every hour worked and must have the option to move to a contract with guaranteed hours after 12 weeks of employment. You can find full guidance on this on the Living Wage Foundation website.
Q. Do I need to include third-party contractors in my Living Wage commitment?
A. As part of the accreditation process, the Living Wage Foundation will ask about any regular third-party contractors (such as cleaning or security stuff) who work on your premises. You won’t need to pay them the Living Wage immediately to be accredited – but you will be asked to put a clear plan in place for how and when you will do so. The Living Wage Foundation team will work with you to agree a reasonable timeline based on your circumstances.
Q. How much is the London Living Wage accreditation fee?
A.The cost varies according to the size of your organisation, Starting at £71 per year for those with fewer than 10 employees. For full details of the cost, please contact the Living Wage Foundation via their enquiry form.
Q. Is this free support open to charities, small businesses or sole traders?
A. Organisations of all sizes and types can become accredited and benefit from this support, from small to large businesses, sole traders, charities and not-for-profit. As long as your business organisation is based in Ealing* and accredited (or becoming accredited), you’re eligible for this support.
Q. How long is this free support available?
A. This free support offer runs until February 2026
