Living Wage Rates (September 2022) - Guest Article from Ian Holloway

On 29 May 2022, the Living Wage Foundation announced that new 2022/23 rates would be announced in September in response to the rising cost of living.  Usually, new rates are announced in Living Wage Week which falls in November.

The following rates were announced on 22 September 2022:

• Living Wage £10.90 (a £1 increase)
• Greater London Living Wage £11.95 per hour (a 90p increase)

Living Wage accredited employers will be aware of their obligations; however, it is worth pointing out some key facts:

• The rates are independently-set and based on evidence in London and the UK to reflect the wage needed for a ‘basic’ standard cost of living
• The rates apply to everyone over the age of 18
• Employers are asked to implement the new rates as soon as possible but certainly within 6 months
• The Living Wage and London Living Wage are voluntary which means they are not the same as
• The National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage which are statutory and apply at different ages

The Living Wage Foundation’s website and guide contain good information for accredited employers and those that wish to become accredited.

Ian has been in the payroll profession for over 30 years, processing payrolls from all sectors, large and small. He moved from hands-on exposure in 2011 to become involved in educating the profession. His wide-ranging experience and up-to-date knowledge ensured he was able to impart this information to UK professionals through course material, social media, newsletters and face-to-face presentations.

Today Ian combines both these and is involved with a vital aspect of the payroll environment, that of working with the software that actually does a lot of the hard work for the profession.

Ian approaches education and communication very much from the perspective of how this will impact the software, the employer and the worker. So, whilst the legislation is vital, compliance and effective communication are paramount.

Connect with Ian on LinkedIn.