Oxford living wage workers to get 10% pay rise, council announces

The Oxford Living Wage is increasing to reflect higher living costs

Oxford's living wage is going up by 10% to £12.49 an hour, the city council has announced.

More than 120 firms are signed up to commit to the pay level, which aims to ensure fair wages in a city often named as one of the country's most expensive places to live.

The Oxford Living Wage was set at 95% of the London Living Wage of £13.15 and will come into effect in April.

The pay benchmark was first introduced by Oxford City Council in 2008.

The figure is separate to that of the National Living Wage, which it is a legal requirement for employers to pay and is the same across the country.

Council leader Susan Brown said: "Paying the Oxford Living Wage not only benefits the employees who are being paid a truly liveable wage, but it also helps employers attract new talent and keep staff.

"In addition, it also helps make our city a fairer one for everyone and means that local residents have more money to spend in the local economy.

"I'd encourage any business or organisation that is considering paying Oxford Living Wage to do so and to become accredited through the council's scheme."

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