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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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.”
Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse cancels PVRIS gig at last minute as water pours through ceiling
Daisy Jackson
The O2 Victoria Warehouse has had to turn away PVRIS gig-goers as doors opened after the thunderstorms across Manchester proved too much for the venue’s roof.
Thousands were excitedly heading to the huge music venue to see American pop-rockers PVRIS perform.
But the band’s gig has now been postponed, with the news announced after the official door opening time.
PVRIS said that the cancellation was caused by a ‘massive leak in the venue’s ceiling’ and shared a video of the hall with pools of water on the floor.
Fans who were already inside the O2 Victoria Warehouse have shared videos of water pouring through the roof inside.
Many said that they were being turned away before either the band or the venue had issued an update.
O2 Victoria Warehouse posted: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight’s performance at O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester with #PVRIS – Sun 12 May 2024 – is postponed.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and all customers are advised to retain tickets until further notice.”
PVRIS has said: “We are so sorry to have to cancel the show tonight due to a massive leak in the venue’s ceiling causing flooding right before doors.
“We’ve tried everything we could to find an alternative to still perform for you all tonight but due to circumstances beyond our control there is unfortunately no options for the show to go ahead.
“We were looking forward to our first gig back in the UK and to spend it with you & we are just as disappointed but everyone’s safety is #1 priority.
“We are doing our best to find a way to reschedule this show ASAP.
“More info coming as soon we know more, we are in the dark just as much you are about the situation.”
Mancs stunned as Northern Lights glow above Greater Manchester in rare solar storm
Daisy Jackson
Greater Manchester was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime display of the Northern Lights overnight.
The skies above our region lit up in shades of pink and green in a shimmering spectacle that had the nation stunned.
The Northern Lights are normally only visible much further north, with many travelling to countries like Iceland and Norway to catch a glimpse – but last night, the show came to Manchester.
It’s all been caused by a ‘severe solar storm, which hit Earth on Friday night, and may continue into Saturday.
Space weather experts issued the rare geomagnetic storm warning – the first in 20 years – on Friday.
But most of us were blown away to actually see the Northern Lights dancing over Manchester.
The huge solar storm predicted by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) supercharged the Aurora Borealis.
They said that ‘additional solar eruptions could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to persist through the weekend’.
Then here comes the science: “A large sunspot cluster has produced several moderate to strong solar flares since Wednesday at 5am ET.
“At least five flares were associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that appear to be Earth-directed. SWPC forecasters will monitor NOAA and NASA’s space assets for the onset of a geomagnetic storm.
“CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. They cause geomagnetic storms when they are directed at Earth.
“Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth’s surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations.
“SWPC has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action.
“Geomagnetic storms can also trigger spectacular displays of aurora on Earth.”
If you look to the skies over Manchester tonight, there’s a chance you’ll see the Northern Lights again.
Just try not to cry as much as we did.
In pictures – the Northern Lights over Manchester
Joyful as a big kid. Mesmerising. Real life moment, never seen them before. Anyone else looking up? pic.twitter.com/a7B4kqBkfY
— NOT QUITE LIGHT – NQL (@NotQuiteLight) May 10, 2024