Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she is taking steps to encourage UK-listed companies to pay the real living wage set by the Living Wage Foundation.

The Government is responsible for setting the statutory minimum wage rates. The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has gained international respect for their high-quality work. Therefore, it is right that we continue to take the expert and independent advice of the LPC when setting the minimum wage rates. The key distinction between the LPC rates and the Living Wage Foundation’s Voluntary Living Wage, is that LPC calculations consider the impact on businesses and the economy.

We commend employers who pay above the National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage when they can afford to do so. The Living Wage Foundation are clear their measure is voluntary.