United Kingdom: living wage set at £13.45 per hour from 1 May 2026

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On 22 October, the Living Wage Foundation announced the UK living wage level for 2026. It will rise from £12.60 to £13.45 gross per hour (€15.47), marking an increase of 6.7%. In London, it will reach £14.80 (€17). Employers have six months – until 1 May 2026 – to implement the living wage. The living wage differs from the statutory minimum wage, or ‘national living wage’, set by the government (£12.21 per hour, or €14). It is calculated on the basis of the actual cost of living and is paid...

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