The Real Living Wage, external is an unofficial hourly rate of pay which is overseen by the Living Wage Foundation charity. It is based on the amount of money the charity believes people need to earn. It is aimed at UK workers aged 18 and over, but is not a legal requirement, and businesses choose whether to pay it. The charity says more than 475,000 employees working for 15,000 firms, external currently receive the Real Living Wage. The rate for workers in London – the London Living Wage – is going up by 70p to £13.85 an hour. In the rest of the UK, a 60p increase will take the rate to £12.60. Employers must implement the new rates by 1 May 2025.