Almost half a million Brits have been given a pay rise from today as the real Living Wage has risen to £12 an hour.
The real Living Wage – which is set by the Living Wage Foundation, and remains the only wage rates that are independently-calculated based on what people actually need to live on – has increased its rate increased by 10% in the UK, which means over 460,000 people working for 14,000 real Living Wage Employers throughout the country are set to benefit.
As the cost of living crisis sadly continues to make its impact felt nationwide, the real Living Wage rate’s rise to £12 an hour – which is a £1.10 increase – means hundreds of thousands of workers will get a “vital pay boost” from today.
In London, the rate has now also risen to £13.15 an hour – which is £1.20 increase from before.
Operated on a voluntary opt-in basis, some of the big-name companies currently signed up to the real Living Wage scheme – which launched nationally in 2011 – include Aviva, Burberry, Ikea, KPMG, and Nationwide.
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The NEW Living Wage rates for 2023/24 are out! 🎉
Both our #LivingWage rates have risen: £12 (UK) £13.15 (London), meaning a pay-rise for hundreds of thousands of workers. With the rising cost of living, it’s more important than ever.
Unlike the Government‘s minimum wage – which is known as the National Living Wage for over 23s, and is currently set at £10.42 – the real Living Wage is the only wage rate independently calculated based on rising living costs, and applies to everyone over 18.
A full-time worker earning the new real Living Wage would earn £3,081 a year more than a worker earning the current Government minimum, and £2,145 more than their current pay.
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The Living Wage Foundation said the real Living Wage pay increase today would provide a “lifeline” for many employees that are continuing to struggle with “stubbornly high prices” – with recent research published by the charity having found that, despite easing inflation, the cost of living crisis is far from over for the country’s lowest-paid workers.
50% of low-paid workers were found to be worse off than a year ago, 43% reported regularly using a foodbank at least once a month, 60% have used a foodbank in the past year, and 39% reported falling behind on household bills.
“As inflation eases, we cannot forget that low paid workers remain at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis,” commented the Living Wage Foundation’s Director, Katherine Chapman, as the rate rises today.
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“Low paid workers continue to struggle with stubbornly high prices because they spend a larger share of their budget on food and energy, but these new real Living Wage rates are a lifeline for the 460,000 workers who will get a pay rise.
“During these tough economic times, it’s heartening that record numbers of employers are signing up to join the Living Wage movement to protect everyone who works for them.
“The real Living Wage has never been more important.”
Man arrested in relation to series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following urgent police appeal
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested in relation to a series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following an urgent police appeal last week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that, between January and March of this year, there had been four linked incidents, as well as a further incident in October, where victims had been targeted in a similar way – with the suspect attempting to or gaining entry to their property, before demanding they hand over bank cards and pin codes.
And now, following a police appeal last week, the suspect – a man in his 30s – has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and he remains in custody for questioning.
Following the arrest of the man, who has not been named, police identified a potential further victim.
The incident involving this victim is believed to have occurred between Wednesday 4 November and Saturday 7 November at an address on Whitstable Close in the Chadderton area of Oldham, and during a search of the property, officers sadly found a deceased man in his 70s.
His death is currently being treated as ‘suspicious’, and the same man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary has been further arrested on suspicion of murder.
The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed, and they are being supported by police.
Following the arrests, Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the gentleman who has sadly died and with his family and loved ones at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time.
“This remains a complex and developing investigation, and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.
“I would like to thank the outstanding work of our detectives, who have shown real determination and persistence throughout this investigation.
“We are also extremely grateful to everyone who came forward following our media appeals.”
Featured Image – Wikipedia Commons
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Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Emily Sergeant -
24th October 2023 
